Post by SummerCrow on Aug 20, 2016 21:34:11 GMT -6
Party status (including support levels): Here
Link to join Roll20: Here
(Non-standard) skills: Here
Promotion tree:
Mechanics
Plot Synopsis
Characters
AoD Characters:
SoS Legacy Characters:
Support Log
Link to join Roll20: Here
(Non-standard) skills: Here
Promotion tree:
Mechanics
*A companion map to help visualize the battle is available on Roll20.net.
*When a legacy character is introduced, there will be a brief description of them added in the post. It will also be added in this topic.
*For the most part, you won't need to worry about items. You can (unless otherwise noted) assume your units are well-equipped with appropriate weaponry (bronze early, iron later, etc). After you get the convoy, you can assume you have a few pieces of specialty equipment in storage available on request (Beast Killers, Levin Swords, etc).
*Elixirs will be extremely rare, and extremely valuable. If a unit is dying (HP<=0) and an elixir is available, there will be a vote whether to save them at the cost of an elixir, or to let them die.
*X-supports - similar to an S-rank support; when certain units are become close enough, they can form a special bond that will change their epilogue and possibly have far-reaching effects, though the pairing won't generally produce any children
*The children of the heroes from SoS may be powerful, but don't underestimate the other units you'll get.
*You'll get to vote for supports once per chapter, usually at the end.
*Stats (except HP) are capped at 26 for all stats and all units.
*Every few chapters, there'll be a special vote for class changes. Readers can call for a class change vote for a specific character during support selection.
*Mounting gives a unit +2 STR, +1 SPD, +1 DEF and -1 SKL.
*Untransformed laguz take a penalty of -3 STR and -1 SPD/SKL/DEF.
*Dismounted cavaliers/wyvern riders/etc and untransformed laguz lose their vulerabilities (dragonbane, wind magic, beastkillers, etc.); the exception is bird laguz, who must both untransform and land.
*When a legacy character is introduced, there will be a brief description of them added in the post. It will also be added in this topic.
*For the most part, you won't need to worry about items. You can (unless otherwise noted) assume your units are well-equipped with appropriate weaponry (bronze early, iron later, etc). After you get the convoy, you can assume you have a few pieces of specialty equipment in storage available on request (Beast Killers, Levin Swords, etc).
*Elixirs will be extremely rare, and extremely valuable. If a unit is dying (HP<=0) and an elixir is available, there will be a vote whether to save them at the cost of an elixir, or to let them die.
*X-supports - similar to an S-rank support; when certain units are become close enough, they can form a special bond that will change their epilogue and possibly have far-reaching effects, though the pairing won't generally produce any children
*The children of the heroes from SoS may be powerful, but don't underestimate the other units you'll get.
*You'll get to vote for supports once per chapter, usually at the end.
*Stats (except HP) are capped at 26 for all stats and all units.
*Every few chapters, there'll be a special vote for class changes. Readers can call for a class change vote for a specific character during support selection.
*Mounting gives a unit +2 STR, +1 SPD, +1 DEF and -1 SKL.
*Untransformed laguz take a penalty of -3 STR and -1 SPD/SKL/DEF.
*Dismounted cavaliers/wyvern riders/etc and untransformed laguz lose their vulerabilities (dragonbane, wind magic, beastkillers, etc.); the exception is bird laguz, who must both untransform and land.
Plot Synopsis
Prologue:
Arc 1:
Valm and Regna Ferox are gearing up for war, and both are interested in Valeria, Meridia, and Carcina as potential allies. The three tiny nations wish to remain neutral, and will be holding a summit with leaders of both countries. Rand and Lily participate in training some new recruits.
Arc 1:
Chapter 1L: Age of Destruction L:
Chapter 1R: Age of Destruction R:
Chapter 1A: Age of Destruction A:
Chapter 2A: Rising Conflagration A:
Chapter 2L: Rising Conflagration L:
Chapter 2R: Rising Conflagration R:
Chapter 3R/A: They Return R/A:
Chapter 3L: They Return L:
Chapter 4: The Second Siege of Trine
Chapter 5:
Lily and her group headed to the port of Mala to meet the ambassador of Regna Ferox. They found the town in flames and mercenaries running down the survivors. They chose to protect the civilians before proceeding into the town.
Chapter 1R: Age of Destruction R:
Rand and Mina headed to a small outpost on the Carcina-Meridia border to join up with a group of paladins before meeting with the Valerians and then on to collect Hyun'ji for the peace summit. On arrival, they find a swarm of Risen led by a massive Risen monstrosity. The Carcinan soldiers are dead. A Meridian team sent to escort them helped them fight the Risen back. They decided to head immediately to the port.
Chapter 1A: Age of Destruction A:
Alice and Allune proceeded to the sound of battle to find Sylvia and Rhett returning home, just in time to save them from another wave of monsters. The monsters were fleeing a charmer of a wolfskin, who was in turn fleeing a flock of berserk crows. They assisted in his escape, before Alice had a vision drawing her west, to Quinn and Sorina's aid.
Chapter 2A: Rising Conflagration A:
Alice heads west, pursing Valeria's envoys sent to meet Hyun'ji. As they cross into Meridia, they find Sorina and Carin, two members of the team, fleeing from unknown enemies - only to find more enemies waiting along the border. After defeating the enemies, Carin and Sorina reveal that the their party was suddenly beset by an ambush, just after receiving a warning from Kurt. Doran and Rain lured the brunt of the enemy away, while the others escaped along their original route. Alice decides to continue towards Urna in pursuit of Quinn and Kurt.
Chapter 2L: Rising Conflagration L:
Lily breaks into the beseiged town in search of survivors. She finds a few, including a young girl named Janice. One of the mercenaries, Rakim, betrays the others to protect her. Gale convinced him to join. The Feroxi representative, Zenia, and her escort, the pirate Harv, joined in the battle to help turn the tides. Zenia was extremely annoyed at everything that had happened, but begrudgingly respected Lily's refusal to beg for forgiveness.
Chapter 2R: Rising Conflagration R:
Rand manages to make it to the port town where he's scheduled to rendezvous with the Valerian soldiers and the Valmese emperor's nephew. He arrives a bit too late, as the dignitary's ship is already in ruins by the time he arrives. Thanks to his servant's protection, Hyun'ji survives the attempt on his life, but a group of mercenaries arrive to finish the job. Rand and his group help fight them off, as do Kurt and Quinn. Kurt announces the Valerian escort was ambushed by another group of mercenaries, much like Carcina was ambushed by Risen... He and Quinn managed to escape while Rain and Doran led the others off. The united group decides to make a stand against the remnants of those mercenaries, setting an ambush in the village.
Chapter 3R/A: They Return R/A:
While preparing their ambush, Kurt discovers a massive Risen Behemoth lurking in one of the houses. The corpses of the slain mercenaries begin to reanimate. As the dead threaten to surround and entrap them, the remnants of the mercenaries threaten to overwhelm them. Alice catches up to them just in time to provide a distraction. As they hold the line, Rand routs the Risen - the mercenaries soon find themselves surrounded and cut down instead. Alice feels the spirits telling her to accompany Rand and Hyun'ji to the peace summit in Trine...
Chapter 3L: They Return L:
Lily goes to learn why the Mala garrison didn't come to protect the town when it was attacked. She finds the fort has been overrun by several dark mages as well as the Carcinan troops, reborn as Risen. After securing the fort, she delivers to survivors of Mala to another fort and proceeds to Trine. She also oversees a mysterious dancer delivering a message from the Great Khan to Zenia - it doesn't seem to be good news...
Chapter 4: The Second Siege of Trine
Lily and Rand successfully deliver the representatives to the impromptu peace summit. Lily requests reinforcements be called from nearby bases. The talks do not go well, but Valeria, Carcina, and Meridia all agree to remain neutral. A force of Carcinan troops interrupts the discussion, demanding the king be handed over. June repels them while Rand and Lily intercept a force of assassins trying to sneak in from the rear. After the battle, news comes from Sefa Forest about an attack by a powerful spellcaster and a horde of monsters.
Chapter 5:
Lily, Rand, and Alice lead a small team to reinforce Sefa Forest. They find it actively under attack by a swarm of monsters summoned by a witch and her partner, a fox laguz able to transform into a dragon. Several of the villagers have gone berserk, as well. The village is saved, but the pair escape.
Characters
AoD Characters:
Rand: Prince of Carcina. Son of June and Paen.
Lily: Princess of Carcina, next in line for the throne. Daughter of June and Paen.
Mina: Royal guardsman. Daughter of Claudia and Dan. Lily and Rand's childhood friend, raised alongside them.
Gale: Wandering adventurer. Daughter of Sherry and Zephyr. Long-time friend of Lily and Rand.
Storm: Holy Knight. Son of Rain and Holland.
Alice: Nature mage. Hears the call of nature spirits. Probably a bit insane. Daughter of Mary and John. Enjoys moonlit walks through the forest.
Allune: Hawk laguz. Alice's official babysitter. Hates being dirty.
Hawke: Royal guardsman. Taciturn. Ex-mercenary.
Kelly: Tartarus town guard.
Shep: Tartarus town guard. Healer.
Nevyn: Wolf laguz. Awoo. Son of Cynbel and Harrow. Leads a small team under his father's command.
Judoc: Meridian solider. Part of Nevyn's team.
Fei: Meridian fighter. Part of Nevyn's team.
Sylvia: Valerian tactician. Daughter of Doran and Fumiko.
Rhett: Valerian journeyman. Son of Bud and Wendy. Blunt and literal.
Suarrure: Wandering Wolfskin. Loves the ladies.
Sorina: Valerian knight. Daughter of Haley and Ferris. A bit awkward.
Carin: Valerian troubadour. Illegitimate daughter of Thrace and Adam. Cowardly.
Rakim: Feroxi mercenary. Betrayed his company when they attacked a civilian town.
Zenia: Feroxi representative. The Khan's right-hand woman. Stern.
Harv: Sailor. Son of Rosa and Cecil. Uses fancy language around certain people.
Hyun'ji: Valmese representative. Emperor's nephew. Soft-spoken.
Eun'ji: Hyun'ji's personal servant. Shy, but dedicated.
Quinn: Fox laguz and trainee tactician. Son of Doran and Fumiko.
Kurt: Thief of ill-repute. Son of Saul and Charlotte.
Keith: Valerian cavalier stationed at a Carcinan fort prior to its destruction.
Gin: Carcinan soldier who survived the destruction of Mala's garrison thanks to Isana.
Isana: Feroxi courtesan. Came to deliver a message to Zenia.
Stella: Cat laguz in the Valerian army. Trained in light magic. Brought warning of the attack on Sefa, but became a hostage.
Lily: Princess of Carcina, next in line for the throne. Daughter of June and Paen.
Mina: Royal guardsman. Daughter of Claudia and Dan. Lily and Rand's childhood friend, raised alongside them.
Gale: Wandering adventurer. Daughter of Sherry and Zephyr. Long-time friend of Lily and Rand.
Storm: Holy Knight. Son of Rain and Holland.
Alice: Nature mage. Hears the call of nature spirits. Probably a bit insane. Daughter of Mary and John. Enjoys moonlit walks through the forest.
Allune: Hawk laguz. Alice's official babysitter. Hates being dirty.
Hawke: Royal guardsman. Taciturn. Ex-mercenary.
Kelly: Tartarus town guard.
Shep: Tartarus town guard. Healer.
Nevyn: Wolf laguz. Awoo. Son of Cynbel and Harrow. Leads a small team under his father's command.
Judoc: Meridian solider. Part of Nevyn's team.
Fei: Meridian fighter. Part of Nevyn's team.
Sylvia: Valerian tactician. Daughter of Doran and Fumiko.
Rhett: Valerian journeyman. Son of Bud and Wendy. Blunt and literal.
Suarrure: Wandering Wolfskin. Loves the ladies.
Sorina: Valerian knight. Daughter of Haley and Ferris. A bit awkward.
Carin: Valerian troubadour. Illegitimate daughter of Thrace and Adam. Cowardly.
Rakim: Feroxi mercenary. Betrayed his company when they attacked a civilian town.
Zenia: Feroxi representative. The Khan's right-hand woman. Stern.
Harv: Sailor. Son of Rosa and Cecil. Uses fancy language around certain people.
Hyun'ji: Valmese representative. Emperor's nephew. Soft-spoken.
Eun'ji: Hyun'ji's personal servant. Shy, but dedicated.
Quinn: Fox laguz and trainee tactician. Son of Doran and Fumiko.
Kurt: Thief of ill-repute. Son of Saul and Charlotte.
Keith: Valerian cavalier stationed at a Carcinan fort prior to its destruction.
Gin: Carcinan soldier who survived the destruction of Mala's garrison thanks to Isana.
Isana: Feroxi courtesan. Came to deliver a message to Zenia.
Stella: Cat laguz in the Valerian army. Trained in light magic. Brought warning of the attack on Sefa, but became a hostage.
SoS Legacy Characters:
June: Protagonist of SoS. A young farm girl who was forced to become a mercenary after Risen destroyed her home. Eventually became the official leader of the Carcinan-Valerian alliance. Married to Paen.
Paen: King of Carcina, Hand of Grima, and descendant of Medeus. A man with a love of battle. Feared as a cruel and heartless king, though those close to him know it to be a mask. A special brand marks him as the one who can hear the spirit of the dark dragon. His bloodline lost their draconic forms long ago.
Claudia: Bodyguard to King Paen. An orphan "adopted" into the royal family at a young age. She serves Paen with an unwavering fervor. She was initially distrustful of June - with good reason, considering how they first met - but has since warmed to her. Somewhat. Married to Dan.
Dan: Traitor. Born to a Valerian woman. Caught wind of Carcina's plan to invade Valeria during the Risen incident and risked his life to warn them. After the war, was cleared of any charges and rewarded for his bravery with a position in the royal guard. Married to Claudia.
Sherry: Captain of Tartarus' town guard. She joined the resistance movement during Tartarus' occupation by Meridian forces. She was a "vital" part of retaking the capital. Despite her lack of strength, she fought with as much valor as any other, eventually earning her rank. The first Taguel Rider. Married to Zephyr.
Zephyr: Former slave. June's group rescued him from a group of slavers, along with several other laguz. Most moved to the newly-formed laguz sanctuary in Sefa Forest, but Zephyr chose to stay with the group. Now often wanders aimlessly with his daughter. Married to Sherry.
Rain: Valerian captain. Led a group based in Trine which included Wendy and Haley. Helped June purchase her hatchet, and helped save the survivors of June's town. Now helps Holland train new recruits. Married to Holland.
Holland: Valerian captain. In charge of training new Holy Knight recruits in Antea. Has a magnificent beardstache. Married to Rain.
Cynbel: Meridian Knight. Was placed in June's group before Meridia betrayed Valeria. Helped guide them to the final battle, and lured away the last few enemies seeking revenge after the final battle. Eventually placed in command of a small, out-of-the-way fort. Married to Harrow.
Harrow: Wolf priestess. Led her tribe to try to end the Risen crisis. June's group rescued her after most of her tribe was wiped out by Jeckel. Married to Cynbel.
Mary: Guardian of Sefa. Mary's village, a small town on the border of Sefa Forest, was destroyed by monsters while she was still young. The former (unofficial) forest guardian, a laguz named Vine, took pity on her and adopted her as his own. He trained her physically as her adoptive mother, Fumiko, taught her dark magic; she later learned the art of dancing from Charon. She joined June's group to help put an end to the Risen, wielding the Goettia as a Shadow Dancer. The tome twisted her personality, but she made a full recovery. After King Paen discovered how rampant the underground laguz slave trade was, he made her position as Guardian of Sefa an official one, with the Forest recognized as a protectorate of both Carcina and Valeria. Married to John.
John: Sheltered Monk. John was a minor member of the clergy. After the siege of Antea, the Archbishop tasked him with aiding June's group. He was initially naive to the ways of the world and prejudiced against both dark magic and laguz. Slowly, Mary and Fumiko were able to convince him to open up to the world around him. Still strongly opinionated. Married to Mary.
Doran: Haphazard Tactician. Doran remains the commander of the Holy Knight garrison in the border town of Trine, a key defensive point lying halfway between the capitals of Carcina and Valeria. He went missing after Carcina's initial invasion. He was found held captive in Tartarus castle, reappearing just in time to reveal the true nature of the Risen invasion. He fell in love with the widowed Fumiko and married her shortly after the war. Disorganized but brilliant. Married to Fumiko.
Fumiko: Spirit of the Forest. Fumiko was once a laguz slave, held as an oddity by a group of travelling performers. As they passed through Sefa Forest, Vine destroyed the group and saved the white fox that would later become his wife. Widowed by Vine's death at the hands of Risen, Fumiko eventually fell for Doran, finally having two children of her own. She still considers Mary her first child, and Alice her granddaughter. When John and Mary couldn't decide whether to teach Alice light or dark magic, Fumiko trained her in the art of anima magic. Married to Doran.
Saul: Archbishop of Valeria. Saul barely escaped the fall of Antea after Horatio's betrayal, forced to abandon his beloved Charlotte, the Commander of the Holy Knights. He worked tirelessly with Paen to unite their countries during the incident and after. During the reclamation of the Falchion, he found Charlotte wandering the streets alongside the Risen, alive but placed under a debilitating curse. After the war, he gradually managed to lift the curse and nurse her back to health alongside his devastated country. When the pair declared their intention to step down in order to marry, the council unanimously agreed to allow the union. Married to Charlotte.
Bud: Gentle Giant. June's childhood friend. A massive, muscular lad, but friendly and cheerful to a fault. Was there from the very beginning, and was the one that called for help from the Trine garrison when their town was attacked. Slowly managed to win over Wendy. After the war, he returned to rebuild his town. Married to Wendy.
Wendy: Friend to Animals. Part of Rain's team. Was originally extremely struck up and disliked June, but slowly warmed up to her. Went with June to help save Saul, but broke her arm during the teleportation. After the war, returned with Bud to help him rebuild. Now raises, breeds, and trains pegasi for the Valerian Holy Knights. Married to Bud.
Haley: Winged Blur. Haley was the third member of Rain's team that saved June early on. She was an excitable ally who was one of June's biggest sources of encouragement while she was still a mercenary, and in the days beyond. She had a big crush on her, too, fighting Ferris for her affections. In the end, she fell for and married her competitor. She retired alongside her partner, Wendy, to raise Valeria's pegasi in a rebuilt Hearthside.
Ferris: Weary Watcher. Ferris was a member of Cecil's group. Like June, he was hired by Valeria in the early days of the war, along with his partner, Lane. He's laid back, but very competent in the ways of the sword. He courted June for a bit, before turning his attentions on the other girl after her heart. He retired from the mercenary business to a life on the farm with his wife, Haley, and their daughter, Sorina.
Thrace and Adam: Heroes of Tartarus. Thrace and Adam were two high-ranking commanders in the Valerian army sent to capture Tartarus. After it fell and June's group went rogue, they shortly discovered Horatio's betrayal themselves. They led their forces out of the city and waited for their chance to strike and take it from their Merdian former allies. The support of Thrace's pegasi in directing and providing aid minimized the casualties of the Tartarus resistance fighters, and Adam's fighters flooded the city as the town gates fell. A few years after the war, they shared a passionate night together that resulted in an illegitimate daughter, Carin.
Cecil: Wizened Mercenary. Cecil is a long-time mercenary who finally started his own company, which included Lane and Ferris. During the Risen disaster, his troop was hired by Valeria. He was late to join as he was completing another contract, meeting the others as they landed in Terranus. Eventually married Rosalin. Father to Harv.
Rosalin: Reformed Pirate. Formerly known as Bloody Rose, she gave up her pirate ways and took up legitimate trading and transport, though she had to put down a coup to do it. Now owns a small fleet. Had two adoptive sons, Sarv and Marv - Marv was slain during the Risen incident. Since then had a natural-born son, Harv.
Paen: King of Carcina, Hand of Grima, and descendant of Medeus. A man with a love of battle. Feared as a cruel and heartless king, though those close to him know it to be a mask. A special brand marks him as the one who can hear the spirit of the dark dragon. His bloodline lost their draconic forms long ago.
Claudia: Bodyguard to King Paen. An orphan "adopted" into the royal family at a young age. She serves Paen with an unwavering fervor. She was initially distrustful of June - with good reason, considering how they first met - but has since warmed to her. Somewhat. Married to Dan.
Dan: Traitor. Born to a Valerian woman. Caught wind of Carcina's plan to invade Valeria during the Risen incident and risked his life to warn them. After the war, was cleared of any charges and rewarded for his bravery with a position in the royal guard. Married to Claudia.
Sherry: Captain of Tartarus' town guard. She joined the resistance movement during Tartarus' occupation by Meridian forces. She was a "vital" part of retaking the capital. Despite her lack of strength, she fought with as much valor as any other, eventually earning her rank. The first Taguel Rider. Married to Zephyr.
Zephyr: Former slave. June's group rescued him from a group of slavers, along with several other laguz. Most moved to the newly-formed laguz sanctuary in Sefa Forest, but Zephyr chose to stay with the group. Now often wanders aimlessly with his daughter. Married to Sherry.
Rain: Valerian captain. Led a group based in Trine which included Wendy and Haley. Helped June purchase her hatchet, and helped save the survivors of June's town. Now helps Holland train new recruits. Married to Holland.
Holland: Valerian captain. In charge of training new Holy Knight recruits in Antea. Has a magnificent beardstache. Married to Rain.
Cynbel: Meridian Knight. Was placed in June's group before Meridia betrayed Valeria. Helped guide them to the final battle, and lured away the last few enemies seeking revenge after the final battle. Eventually placed in command of a small, out-of-the-way fort. Married to Harrow.
Harrow: Wolf priestess. Led her tribe to try to end the Risen crisis. June's group rescued her after most of her tribe was wiped out by Jeckel. Married to Cynbel.
Mary: Guardian of Sefa. Mary's village, a small town on the border of Sefa Forest, was destroyed by monsters while she was still young. The former (unofficial) forest guardian, a laguz named Vine, took pity on her and adopted her as his own. He trained her physically as her adoptive mother, Fumiko, taught her dark magic; she later learned the art of dancing from Charon. She joined June's group to help put an end to the Risen, wielding the Goettia as a Shadow Dancer. The tome twisted her personality, but she made a full recovery. After King Paen discovered how rampant the underground laguz slave trade was, he made her position as Guardian of Sefa an official one, with the Forest recognized as a protectorate of both Carcina and Valeria. Married to John.
John: Sheltered Monk. John was a minor member of the clergy. After the siege of Antea, the Archbishop tasked him with aiding June's group. He was initially naive to the ways of the world and prejudiced against both dark magic and laguz. Slowly, Mary and Fumiko were able to convince him to open up to the world around him. Still strongly opinionated. Married to Mary.
Doran: Haphazard Tactician. Doran remains the commander of the Holy Knight garrison in the border town of Trine, a key defensive point lying halfway between the capitals of Carcina and Valeria. He went missing after Carcina's initial invasion. He was found held captive in Tartarus castle, reappearing just in time to reveal the true nature of the Risen invasion. He fell in love with the widowed Fumiko and married her shortly after the war. Disorganized but brilliant. Married to Fumiko.
Fumiko: Spirit of the Forest. Fumiko was once a laguz slave, held as an oddity by a group of travelling performers. As they passed through Sefa Forest, Vine destroyed the group and saved the white fox that would later become his wife. Widowed by Vine's death at the hands of Risen, Fumiko eventually fell for Doran, finally having two children of her own. She still considers Mary her first child, and Alice her granddaughter. When John and Mary couldn't decide whether to teach Alice light or dark magic, Fumiko trained her in the art of anima magic. Married to Doran.
Saul: Archbishop of Valeria. Saul barely escaped the fall of Antea after Horatio's betrayal, forced to abandon his beloved Charlotte, the Commander of the Holy Knights. He worked tirelessly with Paen to unite their countries during the incident and after. During the reclamation of the Falchion, he found Charlotte wandering the streets alongside the Risen, alive but placed under a debilitating curse. After the war, he gradually managed to lift the curse and nurse her back to health alongside his devastated country. When the pair declared their intention to step down in order to marry, the council unanimously agreed to allow the union. Married to Charlotte.
Bud: Gentle Giant. June's childhood friend. A massive, muscular lad, but friendly and cheerful to a fault. Was there from the very beginning, and was the one that called for help from the Trine garrison when their town was attacked. Slowly managed to win over Wendy. After the war, he returned to rebuild his town. Married to Wendy.
Wendy: Friend to Animals. Part of Rain's team. Was originally extremely struck up and disliked June, but slowly warmed up to her. Went with June to help save Saul, but broke her arm during the teleportation. After the war, returned with Bud to help him rebuild. Now raises, breeds, and trains pegasi for the Valerian Holy Knights. Married to Bud.
Haley: Winged Blur. Haley was the third member of Rain's team that saved June early on. She was an excitable ally who was one of June's biggest sources of encouragement while she was still a mercenary, and in the days beyond. She had a big crush on her, too, fighting Ferris for her affections. In the end, she fell for and married her competitor. She retired alongside her partner, Wendy, to raise Valeria's pegasi in a rebuilt Hearthside.
Ferris: Weary Watcher. Ferris was a member of Cecil's group. Like June, he was hired by Valeria in the early days of the war, along with his partner, Lane. He's laid back, but very competent in the ways of the sword. He courted June for a bit, before turning his attentions on the other girl after her heart. He retired from the mercenary business to a life on the farm with his wife, Haley, and their daughter, Sorina.
Thrace and Adam: Heroes of Tartarus. Thrace and Adam were two high-ranking commanders in the Valerian army sent to capture Tartarus. After it fell and June's group went rogue, they shortly discovered Horatio's betrayal themselves. They led their forces out of the city and waited for their chance to strike and take it from their Merdian former allies. The support of Thrace's pegasi in directing and providing aid minimized the casualties of the Tartarus resistance fighters, and Adam's fighters flooded the city as the town gates fell. A few years after the war, they shared a passionate night together that resulted in an illegitimate daughter, Carin.
Cecil: Wizened Mercenary. Cecil is a long-time mercenary who finally started his own company, which included Lane and Ferris. During the Risen disaster, his troop was hired by Valeria. He was late to join as he was completing another contract, meeting the others as they landed in Terranus. Eventually married Rosalin. Father to Harv.
Rosalin: Reformed Pirate. Formerly known as Bloody Rose, she gave up her pirate ways and took up legitimate trading and transport, though she had to put down a coup to do it. Now owns a small fleet. Had two adoptive sons, Sarv and Marv - Marv was slain during the Risen incident. Since then had a natural-born son, Harv.
Support Log
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Intermission
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6X
Chapter 6
Lily/Rand C
Lily/Mina C
Lily/Gale C
Allune/Alice C
"You handled yourself well, Rand." Lily reclaims the training rapier and wipes the blood from its tip.
"You did pretty well yourself, sis. Though, uh... I'm not sure tackling a laguz is usually the best plan," Rand says, checking his javelin. "I mean, Gale's one thing, but..."
"I only needed to give you a small opening," Lily says. "I knew I could count on you to take advantage of it.
"You still put yourself at a lot of risk. And this isn't the first time."
"I'm much more cautious when you aren't around. But when you are? I know I can fight my hardest, because I know you're watching out for me." Lily pats him on the shoulder as he starts cleaning the iron axe.
"Even if you trust me... I mean, what if one day you're counting on me and I screw up?"
Lily shrugs. "I would die, probably."
Rand stops polishing his axe and stares at her. "That's... horrible. Why would you say such a thing?"
"Because it's true," Lily says plainly. "But it won't happen, Rand. I know you won't fail me."
Rand rolls his eyes. "Oh, yeah, no pressure. 'Screw up and I die.' C'mon, Lily, imagine how I'd feel if you were counting on me and something did happen."
"Fine, fine." She gives him a wry smile. "I promise the only laguz I'll tackle is Gale."
"Anytime, princess!" Gale calls out from across the arena. The gathered recruits, unable to hear the rest of the conversation, look at her in confusion.
"Seriously, Lily," Rand says. "No big risks unless you're sure they'll pay off."
She nods. "I promise, Rand."
Rand seems appeased.
"You did pretty well yourself, sis. Though, uh... I'm not sure tackling a laguz is usually the best plan," Rand says, checking his javelin. "I mean, Gale's one thing, but..."
"I only needed to give you a small opening," Lily says. "I knew I could count on you to take advantage of it.
"You still put yourself at a lot of risk. And this isn't the first time."
"I'm much more cautious when you aren't around. But when you are? I know I can fight my hardest, because I know you're watching out for me." Lily pats him on the shoulder as he starts cleaning the iron axe.
"Even if you trust me... I mean, what if one day you're counting on me and I screw up?"
Lily shrugs. "I would die, probably."
Rand stops polishing his axe and stares at her. "That's... horrible. Why would you say such a thing?"
"Because it's true," Lily says plainly. "But it won't happen, Rand. I know you won't fail me."
Rand rolls his eyes. "Oh, yeah, no pressure. 'Screw up and I die.' C'mon, Lily, imagine how I'd feel if you were counting on me and something did happen."
"Fine, fine." She gives him a wry smile. "I promise the only laguz I'll tackle is Gale."
"Anytime, princess!" Gale calls out from across the arena. The gathered recruits, unable to hear the rest of the conversation, look at her in confusion.
"Seriously, Lily," Rand says. "No big risks unless you're sure they'll pay off."
She nods. "I promise, Rand."
Rand seems appeased.
Lily/Mina C
"How are you doing?" Lily asks.
"I'm fine, princess," Mina says. "Not a scratch on me."
"Thank goodness. It looked like Gale hit you pretty hard."
"Well... Yes," Mina admits. "But a member of the royal guard should be... tougher. I'm sorry, Lily, I let you down."
Lily takes Mina's hands in hers. "No. No, Mina. I've never thought you inadequate. You're more than just a guard, you're my precious friend."
Mina pulls free. "I should still be able to hold my own, at least..." she mutters.
"You may not be the strongest warrior, Mina, but I know I can trust you completely. Having someone like you to watch over me is a greater boon than you can know."
Mina frowns. "I still need to be stronger. I want to be strong enough to protect you. You and your brother both."
"And my brother," Lily echoes. She raises a hand to hide her smile. "Just keep training, Mina. Strength is something anyone can gain. I'll be glad to help you anytime you like. Soon you'll become the most admirable guard since... ha. Since your mother."
Mina smiles underneath her mask. "I doubt I'll ever be on her level. But I'll try, Lily."
"I'm fine, princess," Mina says. "Not a scratch on me."
"Thank goodness. It looked like Gale hit you pretty hard."
"Well... Yes," Mina admits. "But a member of the royal guard should be... tougher. I'm sorry, Lily, I let you down."
Lily takes Mina's hands in hers. "No. No, Mina. I've never thought you inadequate. You're more than just a guard, you're my precious friend."
Mina pulls free. "I should still be able to hold my own, at least..." she mutters.
"You may not be the strongest warrior, Mina, but I know I can trust you completely. Having someone like you to watch over me is a greater boon than you can know."
Mina frowns. "I still need to be stronger. I want to be strong enough to protect you. You and your brother both."
"And my brother," Lily echoes. She raises a hand to hide her smile. "Just keep training, Mina. Strength is something anyone can gain. I'll be glad to help you anytime you like. Soon you'll become the most admirable guard since... ha. Since your mother."
Mina smiles underneath her mask. "I doubt I'll ever be on her level. But I'll try, Lily."
Lily/Gale C
Lily notices Gale skulking suspiciously near a storage closet. Gale slips in and pulls the door shut. Lily follows her, confused, but cautious. She half-expects to get tackled the second she opens the door. Gale's nowhere in sight. Lily walks in slowly. "Gale?" There's no response. She peers around the room, trying to find the imminent ambush. "Gale, I know what you're planning. Would you please just pounce on me and get it over with?"
"OK!" A giant bunny leaps out of a crate. Lily doesn't bother struggling as Gale pins her to the ground. Gale always wants a hug when she gets back - best to just get it over with. "I already got to greet Mina - now it's your turn!" She rubs her snout against Lily's neck.
Lily giggles uncontrollably. "Eek! Haha...! G-Gale...! Stop...!"
Gale redoubles her efforts. "Nope! This is payback for earlier!"
"Eehehe...! W-what do you... Hee...! Wha... P-payba... Payback!?"
"You ganged up on me! All I wanted was some quality 1-on-1 playtime with Rand! But you wouldn't let me have that." She shifts back into her human form with a feigned pout. It quickly shifts into a grin. "Well, if you're so desperate for my attention, I'll give it to you."
"I'm... I'm the crown princess, Gale! I swear to Grima, I'll... I'll have you thrown in the darkest dungeon we have! I'll skin you myself! Make you into a nice pair of boots and a matching scarf!"
Gale sticks her tongue out at her. "No, you won't. We've known each other way too long for that - and long enough that I know where you're the most ticklish~!"
"N-no... Gale...! Not there! Anywhere bu- Eeeehahaha, no-o-o-o...! Gale...!"
"N-n-neeeehee...! No more, no... no m-more...! AhaaahahaHEEhaaahaha...! Plea-hee-hee-heeeeese...!" Lily pleads.
Gale looks down at her captive. She knows she's already pushing her luck. "Aw, but you're so cute when you're all helpless like this! And your laugh is adorable. Your real one, not that fake one you use in court. And the way you squirm-"
"Gale!"
Aw. "We-e-e-ell, I think you still deserve worse... But I'll let you off easy since I love you so much." Gale dismounts Lily and offers her a hand up. She spreads her arms out invitingly. "You missed me, right?"
Lily wraps her arms around Gale's neck in a hug. A bit tighter than normal, perhaps. "I... hate you... so much..." she pants.
"You know you love me."
"I love you enough to warn you: my vengeance... will be swift and terrible."
Gale giggles and helps Lily fix her hair. Lily tucks her tunic back into her belt and smooths her clothes out while Gale searches for Lily's pilfered boots. After a few moments of straightening up, the pair slip out of the closet together. Lily's face turns bright red as several recruits hanging around the door suddenly realize they have better things to do, absolutely anywhere else. Gale give Lily a sly grin.
"Swift. And. Terrible." Lily whispers quietly.
"OK!" A giant bunny leaps out of a crate. Lily doesn't bother struggling as Gale pins her to the ground. Gale always wants a hug when she gets back - best to just get it over with. "I already got to greet Mina - now it's your turn!" She rubs her snout against Lily's neck.
Lily giggles uncontrollably. "Eek! Haha...! G-Gale...! Stop...!"
Gale redoubles her efforts. "Nope! This is payback for earlier!"
"Eehehe...! W-what do you... Hee...! Wha... P-payba... Payback!?"
"You ganged up on me! All I wanted was some quality 1-on-1 playtime with Rand! But you wouldn't let me have that." She shifts back into her human form with a feigned pout. It quickly shifts into a grin. "Well, if you're so desperate for my attention, I'll give it to you."
"I'm... I'm the crown princess, Gale! I swear to Grima, I'll... I'll have you thrown in the darkest dungeon we have! I'll skin you myself! Make you into a nice pair of boots and a matching scarf!"
Gale sticks her tongue out at her. "No, you won't. We've known each other way too long for that - and long enough that I know where you're the most ticklish~!"
"N-no... Gale...! Not there! Anywhere bu- Eeeehahaha, no-o-o-o...! Gale...!"
"N-n-neeeehee...! No more, no... no m-more...! AhaaahahaHEEhaaahaha...! Plea-hee-hee-heeeeese...!" Lily pleads.
Gale looks down at her captive. She knows she's already pushing her luck. "Aw, but you're so cute when you're all helpless like this! And your laugh is adorable. Your real one, not that fake one you use in court. And the way you squirm-"
"Gale!"
Aw. "We-e-e-ell, I think you still deserve worse... But I'll let you off easy since I love you so much." Gale dismounts Lily and offers her a hand up. She spreads her arms out invitingly. "You missed me, right?"
Lily wraps her arms around Gale's neck in a hug. A bit tighter than normal, perhaps. "I... hate you... so much..." she pants.
"You know you love me."
"I love you enough to warn you: my vengeance... will be swift and terrible."
Gale giggles and helps Lily fix her hair. Lily tucks her tunic back into her belt and smooths her clothes out while Gale searches for Lily's pilfered boots. After a few moments of straightening up, the pair slip out of the closet together. Lily's face turns bright red as several recruits hanging around the door suddenly realize they have better things to do, absolutely anywhere else. Gale give Lily a sly grin.
"Swift. And. Terrible." Lily whispers quietly.
Allune/Alice C
Alice rises to her knees. "Here, let me help. Stop fidgeting. Give me your hand."
Allune obeys, giving Alice her injured arm. She keeps cleaning herself with her other. "Tsk. My pants are ruined. Look at that bloodstain..."
Alice runs her hand through the grass. She bathes the laguz' arm in dew to wash away the blood. "I've told you time and again that you shouldn't wear bright white pants out here."
"If I left it up to you, I probably wouldn't be wearing anything..."
"No, you wouldn't be," Alice agrees. "You really should take your boots off sometime, just enjoy the feel of the grass under your feet, the brush rubbing against your legs..."
Allune pulls a blade of wet grass from her wing and looks at it in revulsion. "I don't understand how you can enjoy rolling around in this... It's disgusting!"
Alice pulls a cloth from her sash and dries the wound, examining it carefully. It doesn't look too bad. "I don't think it's disgusting. I think it feels wonderful," she says quietly. "And even if I didn't enjoy it, I'd still want to do it sometimes."
Allune stops and looks at her in confusion. "Because...?"
Alice readies the vulnerary. "Feelings like disgust, sadness..." She presses the medicine against the wound and Allune winces. "Pain. Are they really so unpleasant? Don't you think they can be enjoyable sometimes?"
"...No? I think those things are all defined as being unpleasant..."
"Well, think of it the other way. Would it really be so great to go through life never knowing anything but happiness?"
Allune stares at her for a moment before she decides to change the subject.
Allune obeys, giving Alice her injured arm. She keeps cleaning herself with her other. "Tsk. My pants are ruined. Look at that bloodstain..."
Alice runs her hand through the grass. She bathes the laguz' arm in dew to wash away the blood. "I've told you time and again that you shouldn't wear bright white pants out here."
"If I left it up to you, I probably wouldn't be wearing anything..."
"No, you wouldn't be," Alice agrees. "You really should take your boots off sometime, just enjoy the feel of the grass under your feet, the brush rubbing against your legs..."
Allune pulls a blade of wet grass from her wing and looks at it in revulsion. "I don't understand how you can enjoy rolling around in this... It's disgusting!"
Alice pulls a cloth from her sash and dries the wound, examining it carefully. It doesn't look too bad. "I don't think it's disgusting. I think it feels wonderful," she says quietly. "And even if I didn't enjoy it, I'd still want to do it sometimes."
Allune stops and looks at her in confusion. "Because...?"
Alice readies the vulnerary. "Feelings like disgust, sadness..." She presses the medicine against the wound and Allune winces. "Pain. Are they really so unpleasant? Don't you think they can be enjoyable sometimes?"
"...No? I think those things are all defined as being unpleasant..."
"Well, think of it the other way. Would it really be so great to go through life never knowing anything but happiness?"
Allune stares at her for a moment before she decides to change the subject.
Chapter 1
Storm/Hawke C
Lily/Hawke C
Gale/Shep C
Shep/Kelly C
Rand/Mina C
Rand/Fei C
Rand/Judoc C
Fei/Judoc C
Mina/Nevyn C
Alice/Sylvia C
Alice/Rhett C
Sylvia/Rhett C
Sylvia/Suarrure C
Rhett/Suarrure C
Lily/Hawke C
"Does it hurt?" Lily asks.
Hawke shakes his head. "Just a scratch, Princess. I've had worse."
"Yes, well, small injuries add up," Lily says, examining the wound. "They can be distracting. If they heal improperly, they can affect mobility. And an untreated scratch can become infected."
"You know quite a bit about medicine..." Hawke says, a hint of admiration in his voice.
Lily pulls out a vulnerary and starts treating the cut. "My parents made sure I was well-studied. They tried to do the same to Rand, but he was constantly sneaking out to play with Gale..." Hawke winces in pain, and his wyvern immediately snaps about to hiss at Lily. She raps her knuckles against its snout and it falls silent. "Hm. You handled yourself well, Hawke. Was this really your first actual battle?"
"Only since becoming a royal guardsman," Hawke explains. "I had plenty of experience before I was recruited."
"Mercenary?" Lily asks.
"I prefer the term 'bodyguard' or 'escort.'"
"Hm. Nothing inherently wrong with being a mercenary. Just because some are scum doesn't mean they all are." She finishes patching Hawke up. "All better."
"Um... Thank you."
Hawke shakes his head. "Just a scratch, Princess. I've had worse."
"Yes, well, small injuries add up," Lily says, examining the wound. "They can be distracting. If they heal improperly, they can affect mobility. And an untreated scratch can become infected."
"You know quite a bit about medicine..." Hawke says, a hint of admiration in his voice.
Lily pulls out a vulnerary and starts treating the cut. "My parents made sure I was well-studied. They tried to do the same to Rand, but he was constantly sneaking out to play with Gale..." Hawke winces in pain, and his wyvern immediately snaps about to hiss at Lily. She raps her knuckles against its snout and it falls silent. "Hm. You handled yourself well, Hawke. Was this really your first actual battle?"
"Only since becoming a royal guardsman," Hawke explains. "I had plenty of experience before I was recruited."
"Mercenary?" Lily asks.
"I prefer the term 'bodyguard' or 'escort.'"
"Hm. Nothing inherently wrong with being a mercenary. Just because some are scum doesn't mean they all are." She finishes patching Hawke up. "All better."
"Um... Thank you."
Gale/Shep C
Gale stops wiping at her face. "About time," she says.
"Your ear looks pretty bad..." Shep says, looking at the gash.
"Yeah, it really hurts," Gale says with a subtle whine to her voice.
"I'll bet."
"...Are you... planning to fix it?"
"Oh. Oh! Right. Um... Would you mind going back to your... not-rabbit form?"
Gale hops to her feet, transforming in the process. She cradles her ear gently. Shep walks over and starts waving his staff over the wound. It starts to seal, and Gale sighs in relief. "Hey," she says quietly. "Remember when you were riding me earlier? Y'know... I could feel your heartbeat."
"Um... OK?" Shep says, suddenly very uncomfortable.
Gale leans in a bit closer. "Yeah. So I could tell..." She reaches up to wrap her arms around his neck. She stares him in the eye. "You're either scared of me, or you've got a huge crush."
"Er..." Shep tries to step back, but Gale pulls him closer.
"So, which is it, hm?" Gale demands softly. She tilts her head and rests it against his shoulder, inching slowly closer. "If I said I was going to nibble on your neck, would it make you excited...?" She suddenly shifts to her beastial form, now towering over Shep and holding him in a vice-like grip. "Or terrified!?" she demands in a deep, menacing whisper.
"Annoyed," Shep answers. He pulls a cloth from his pocket and dabs up a few drops of blood she missed while cleaning her snout. "You missed both marks, I'm sorry to say. But good guesses. Now, do you have any more injuries? Or am I free to go?"
Gale releases him and shifts back. She scratches her head. "Um... No, I'm fine."
"Glad to hear it," Shep says. He pats her shoulder with an amiable smile before leaving.
"Your ear looks pretty bad..." Shep says, looking at the gash.
"Yeah, it really hurts," Gale says with a subtle whine to her voice.
"I'll bet."
"...Are you... planning to fix it?"
"Oh. Oh! Right. Um... Would you mind going back to your... not-rabbit form?"
Gale hops to her feet, transforming in the process. She cradles her ear gently. Shep walks over and starts waving his staff over the wound. It starts to seal, and Gale sighs in relief. "Hey," she says quietly. "Remember when you were riding me earlier? Y'know... I could feel your heartbeat."
"Um... OK?" Shep says, suddenly very uncomfortable.
Gale leans in a bit closer. "Yeah. So I could tell..." She reaches up to wrap her arms around his neck. She stares him in the eye. "You're either scared of me, or you've got a huge crush."
"Er..." Shep tries to step back, but Gale pulls him closer.
"So, which is it, hm?" Gale demands softly. She tilts her head and rests it against his shoulder, inching slowly closer. "If I said I was going to nibble on your neck, would it make you excited...?" She suddenly shifts to her beastial form, now towering over Shep and holding him in a vice-like grip. "Or terrified!?" she demands in a deep, menacing whisper.
"Annoyed," Shep answers. He pulls a cloth from his pocket and dabs up a few drops of blood she missed while cleaning her snout. "You missed both marks, I'm sorry to say. But good guesses. Now, do you have any more injuries? Or am I free to go?"
Gale releases him and shifts back. She scratches her head. "Um... No, I'm fine."
"Glad to hear it," Shep says. He pats her shoulder with an amiable smile before leaving.
Shep/Kelly C
"Let's get a look at those injuries, Kel."
Kelly nods and unlatches her chestplate. Shep helps her lower it to the ground. She lifts her shirt obligingly to show her flank. "How bad is it?"
Shep examines the wound and finds it still bleeding lightly. "Could be worse," Shep tells her. "Could be better, but you'll live. How's your back?"
"Didn't pierce the armor."
He peeks at her back. "Yeah, that's going to leave a bruise, but no blood. Let me take another shot at this one, though..." He waves his staff across her stomach, and the injury seals shut, though imperfectly. Shep takes several seconds to observe the injury, then sighs sadly. "Sorry, Kel. That's still going to leave a nasty scar. Guess I've still got a ways to go... I'll try and do better next time."
"I'll try not to get hit next time," Kelly says with a terse smile.
"Yeah, guess we both have some room to improve."
"And what is that supposed to mean?"
Shep laughs. "You realize you can put your shirt down now?"
"...Oh."
"Here, let me help you get back in your armor."
"I can handle it. Aren't there other injured?"
"Right!" Shep says with sudden realization. "Um... Excuse me."
Kelly nods and unlatches her chestplate. Shep helps her lower it to the ground. She lifts her shirt obligingly to show her flank. "How bad is it?"
Shep examines the wound and finds it still bleeding lightly. "Could be worse," Shep tells her. "Could be better, but you'll live. How's your back?"
"Didn't pierce the armor."
He peeks at her back. "Yeah, that's going to leave a bruise, but no blood. Let me take another shot at this one, though..." He waves his staff across her stomach, and the injury seals shut, though imperfectly. Shep takes several seconds to observe the injury, then sighs sadly. "Sorry, Kel. That's still going to leave a nasty scar. Guess I've still got a ways to go... I'll try and do better next time."
"I'll try not to get hit next time," Kelly says with a terse smile.
"Yeah, guess we both have some room to improve."
"And what is that supposed to mean?"
Shep laughs. "You realize you can put your shirt down now?"
"...Oh."
"Here, let me help you get back in your armor."
"I can handle it. Aren't there other injured?"
"Right!" Shep says with sudden realization. "Um... Excuse me."
Rand/Mina C
"Are you OK?" Rand asks.
"Y-yeah, I'm fine," Mina assures him. "Sorry if I was a bit curt earlier..."
"Oh, no, don't worry about that," Rand assures her. "I appreciate it. Really. It's nice having someone not afraid to tell me when I'm doing something stupid or when I'm being too hesitant... You can think of yourself as an official adviser, y'know?"
"Oh. Adviser. Great..." Mina says, crawling under a bed to pull out a vulnerary.
"I mean, not just an adviser. You're also one of my closest friends," Rand says. Mina smiles out of sight. "Er... By the way, that was our first real battle, huh?"
"Y-yeah..." Mina realizes. "You... handled yourself really well. No hesitation."
"I wasn't really thinking, I just fell back on my training... It was nice having you watching my back," Rand tells her. "You OK?"
"I was... so scared," Mina admits. "But I won't leave you, Rand."
"Y-yeah, I'm fine," Mina assures him. "Sorry if I was a bit curt earlier..."
"Oh, no, don't worry about that," Rand assures her. "I appreciate it. Really. It's nice having someone not afraid to tell me when I'm doing something stupid or when I'm being too hesitant... You can think of yourself as an official adviser, y'know?"
"Oh. Adviser. Great..." Mina says, crawling under a bed to pull out a vulnerary.
"I mean, not just an adviser. You're also one of my closest friends," Rand says. Mina smiles out of sight. "Er... By the way, that was our first real battle, huh?"
"Y-yeah..." Mina realizes. "You... handled yourself really well. No hesitation."
"I wasn't really thinking, I just fell back on my training... It was nice having you watching my back," Rand tells her. "You OK?"
"I was... so scared," Mina admits. "But I won't leave you, Rand."
Rand/Fei C
He searches the inside of the outpost, then heads out and circles around the fence. He doesn't have any luck. Eventually he decides to climb up into the watch tower to get a better look around. He finds her curled up asleep in the tower. He places a hand on her shoulder and gently shakes her awake.
"Mm? Who're... Oh, you're... Rand...?" Fei yawns. "Mmph... I'm awake. I'm watching out for more Risen."
"I'm pretty sure you were asleep," Rand says. "Entirely sure. As in you wouldn't have had the slightest clue something was sneaking up on us."
"Wha...? No, I..." Fei rubs her eyes sleepily.
"I managed to get this close to you and you had no idea I was here until I woke you up," Rand says.
"Yeah... Yeah..." Fei admits. "Sorry... That fight took more out of me than I thought..."
"Oh... Sorry. How're your injuries?"
Fei points to the ground where she'd been lying after the battle. "Wel-l-l-l, looks like I lost quite a lot of blood."
"Sorry," Rand apologizes again. "You took a pretty bad beating. I wish we had something for... Oh, I guess you could ride with me on Hector for a bit if you need to rest later? We'll just need to make sure you don't fall off."
"That'd be nice... Except for the falling part."
"In the meantime, try to stay awake and watch out for anything else."
"OK..." Fei promises.
"Mm? Who're... Oh, you're... Rand...?" Fei yawns. "Mmph... I'm awake. I'm watching out for more Risen."
"I'm pretty sure you were asleep," Rand says. "Entirely sure. As in you wouldn't have had the slightest clue something was sneaking up on us."
"Wha...? No, I..." Fei rubs her eyes sleepily.
"I managed to get this close to you and you had no idea I was here until I woke you up," Rand says.
"Yeah... Yeah..." Fei admits. "Sorry... That fight took more out of me than I thought..."
"Oh... Sorry. How're your injuries?"
Fei points to the ground where she'd been lying after the battle. "Wel-l-l-l, looks like I lost quite a lot of blood."
"Sorry," Rand apologizes again. "You took a pretty bad beating. I wish we had something for... Oh, I guess you could ride with me on Hector for a bit if you need to rest later? We'll just need to make sure you don't fall off."
"That'd be nice... Except for the falling part."
"In the meantime, try to stay awake and watch out for anything else."
"OK..." Fei promises.
Rand/Judoc C
Judoc is working on putting out the signal fire. Hector is helping him haul water. "Well, you two seem to be getting along well," Rand says with a hint of jealousy.
Hector snorts at him. "He's just trying to be helpful," Judoc says. "He seems pretty clever."
Rand crosses his arms proudly. "Ha! Hector here's the smartest wyvern in all of Carcina."
"Oh?"
"Yep! Trained him myself. Well, not entirely by myself... I was still really young when we started training. So I had help, of course. From the head of the royal guard!"
"How young?" Judoc asks.
"I dunno. One or so?"
"You've... been with him that long? That's... impressive. And they trusted you around a wyvern when you were that young?"
"Well, of course. Carcinan wyvern riders spend a lot of time bonding with their mounts! Hector and I can practically read each others' thoughts."
"Sounds nice," Judoc says. "I wish my partner were half as reliable..." Judoc says. He looks around for Fei with no luck. He sighs. "Speaking of, do you think you could go find her while I finish taking care of this?"
"Sure," Rand says. "Hector... er... Never mind, just keep helping out."
Hector snorts at him. "He's just trying to be helpful," Judoc says. "He seems pretty clever."
Rand crosses his arms proudly. "Ha! Hector here's the smartest wyvern in all of Carcina."
"Oh?"
"Yep! Trained him myself. Well, not entirely by myself... I was still really young when we started training. So I had help, of course. From the head of the royal guard!"
"How young?" Judoc asks.
"I dunno. One or so?"
"You've... been with him that long? That's... impressive. And they trusted you around a wyvern when you were that young?"
"Well, of course. Carcinan wyvern riders spend a lot of time bonding with their mounts! Hector and I can practically read each others' thoughts."
"Sounds nice," Judoc says. "I wish my partner were half as reliable..." Judoc says. He looks around for Fei with no luck. He sighs. "Speaking of, do you think you could go find her while I finish taking care of this?"
"Sure," Rand says. "Hector... er... Never mind, just keep helping out."
Fei/Judoc C
"Right, let's... take care of this..." Judoc says. "Seriously, Fei, why do you always do this?"
"I dunno what you're talking about," she insists, relaxing on her stomach. She crosses her arms and rests her head as Judoc begins treating the slashes across her back. "Ow! that hurts..."
Judoc shakes his head and goes back to tending the wound. "Well, if you'd stop getting beaten up so badly..."
"Not all of us like wearing armor like yours. It's uncomfortable and hard to move in... Even if you make it look easy. Plus, you're so-o-o-o good at patching m- OW! Judoc... That... That really hurts..." she complains.
"Those Risen are walking corpses! I've got to clean the wounds thoroughly. Do you want to get infected and die?" Judoc asks.
"Nope, that'd be a pretty crappy way to go," she agrees. "Get in there nice and deep. Give it a good, hard cleaning, 'K?"
"I think I'm done. Sit up so I can wrap the bandages," Judoc says. Fei obediently rises to her knees. Judoc crouches down beside her and starts wrapping her up. "Seriously, Fei, promise you'll be more careful. This is about the worst I've seen you. I'd hate to lose you, y'know?"
"Aw, because you lo-o-o-ove me?" Fei teases.
"Yep," Judoc answers. He gives the bandages a sharp tug and Fei yelps in surprise. He ties the bandages off and pats her head with a chuckle. "It'd be awful boring without you around, y'know?"
"I dunno what you're talking about," she insists, relaxing on her stomach. She crosses her arms and rests her head as Judoc begins treating the slashes across her back. "Ow! that hurts..."
Judoc shakes his head and goes back to tending the wound. "Well, if you'd stop getting beaten up so badly..."
"Not all of us like wearing armor like yours. It's uncomfortable and hard to move in... Even if you make it look easy. Plus, you're so-o-o-o good at patching m- OW! Judoc... That... That really hurts..." she complains.
"Those Risen are walking corpses! I've got to clean the wounds thoroughly. Do you want to get infected and die?" Judoc asks.
"Nope, that'd be a pretty crappy way to go," she agrees. "Get in there nice and deep. Give it a good, hard cleaning, 'K?"
"I think I'm done. Sit up so I can wrap the bandages," Judoc says. Fei obediently rises to her knees. Judoc crouches down beside her and starts wrapping her up. "Seriously, Fei, promise you'll be more careful. This is about the worst I've seen you. I'd hate to lose you, y'know?"
"Aw, because you lo-o-o-ove me?" Fei teases.
"Yep," Judoc answers. He gives the bandages a sharp tug and Fei yelps in surprise. He ties the bandages off and pats her head with a chuckle. "It'd be awful boring without you around, y'know?"
Mina/Nevyn C
"OK," Mina says. "I already found a vulnerary. We've searched this half of the room, could you help me over here?"
"Of course," Nevyn nods. After a few minutes of awkward silence Nevyn breaks the silence. "So, you are... a member of the royal guard?"
"Yes," Mina answers. "And you're... um... Sorry, I don't know much about the Meridian military or..."
"I'm no one important, really. Just the leader of a small team in a small fort," Nevyn tells her.
"Er... So why are you here?" Mina asks. She suddenly realizes what she just asked. "...Oh! S-sorry, that... sounded ruder than I meant it to. I'm grateful for you being here. We might've landed right in the middle of that ambush if it weren't for you."
"Haha... No offense taken, Mina. It's a complicated answer. You see, my father's... not particularly popular among the higher-ups because of his role fighting against Meridia in the last war. But he's considered a hero among the common folk." Nevyn sighs. "They were hoping to humiliate him a bit by telling him to send an escort to guide you at the last minute. They didn't think we could get here so quickly... But, by the grace of the gods..."
"That's... awful," Mina says. She falls silent for a few moments. "I... I have to ask. Meridia, at least... part of it, was behind the Risen last time. Is there any chance this was... intentional...?"
Nevyn folds his arms. "I... don't know," he admits. "I certainly hope not. For now, we need to focus on making sure whatever's going on doesn't succeed. Assuming these Risen weren't just... I don't know. Wandering monsters. Perhaps this is coincidence."
"Do you really think that's... possible?" Mina asks. Nevyn's silence is enough to say he doesn't.
"Of course," Nevyn nods. After a few minutes of awkward silence Nevyn breaks the silence. "So, you are... a member of the royal guard?"
"Yes," Mina answers. "And you're... um... Sorry, I don't know much about the Meridian military or..."
"I'm no one important, really. Just the leader of a small team in a small fort," Nevyn tells her.
"Er... So why are you here?" Mina asks. She suddenly realizes what she just asked. "...Oh! S-sorry, that... sounded ruder than I meant it to. I'm grateful for you being here. We might've landed right in the middle of that ambush if it weren't for you."
"Haha... No offense taken, Mina. It's a complicated answer. You see, my father's... not particularly popular among the higher-ups because of his role fighting against Meridia in the last war. But he's considered a hero among the common folk." Nevyn sighs. "They were hoping to humiliate him a bit by telling him to send an escort to guide you at the last minute. They didn't think we could get here so quickly... But, by the grace of the gods..."
"That's... awful," Mina says. She falls silent for a few moments. "I... I have to ask. Meridia, at least... part of it, was behind the Risen last time. Is there any chance this was... intentional...?"
Nevyn folds his arms. "I... don't know," he admits. "I certainly hope not. For now, we need to focus on making sure whatever's going on doesn't succeed. Assuming these Risen weren't just... I don't know. Wandering monsters. Perhaps this is coincidence."
"Do you really think that's... possible?" Mina asks. Nevyn's silence is enough to say he doesn't.
Alice/Sylvia C
"You needed to talk to me?"
"Yes." Alice moves closer to Sylvia and speaks quietly. "The spirits guided me to you."
"Er... OK?" Sylvia mutters. "Why are we whispering about this? We all - except Suarrure, who can probably hear us - I saw that ear twitch! Oh, don't try to act all cute and innocent, I know you were - OK, that's pretty cute. But stop listening, OK? Anyway. We all know about your unusually strong connection with-"
Alice shakes her head. "No, it's... why did they guide me to you?"
"To... help us?" Sylvia suggests.
Alice waves her hands dismissively. "Maybe. But you probably would've been fine, knowing you. Maybe I was supposed to meet Suarrure? Or see those crows...?"
Sylvia shrugs. "Speaking of the crows, do you really think...?"
"No doubt in my mind those crows were... Just like in records from Tellius. We need to inform Mother."
"Yeah. Definitely," Sylvia says.
"I can already hear the spirits calling me... as soon as we tell Mother, I need to set out again."
Sylvia cocks her head. "By yourself?"
"Well... If you'd... You know... I won't ask you to run off with me on a gut instinct."
"Alice. You trust your spirits, right? And you know I trust you. If you're telling me they want me to go with you, I won't even hesitate."
Alice looks down to hide a wide smile. "Thank you... Auntie Dearest."
Sylvia groans. "We were having a nice moment, and you just had to ruin it."
"Yes." Alice moves closer to Sylvia and speaks quietly. "The spirits guided me to you."
"Er... OK?" Sylvia mutters. "Why are we whispering about this? We all - except Suarrure, who can probably hear us - I saw that ear twitch! Oh, don't try to act all cute and innocent, I know you were - OK, that's pretty cute. But stop listening, OK? Anyway. We all know about your unusually strong connection with-"
Alice shakes her head. "No, it's... why did they guide me to you?"
"To... help us?" Sylvia suggests.
Alice waves her hands dismissively. "Maybe. But you probably would've been fine, knowing you. Maybe I was supposed to meet Suarrure? Or see those crows...?"
Sylvia shrugs. "Speaking of the crows, do you really think...?"
"No doubt in my mind those crows were... Just like in records from Tellius. We need to inform Mother."
"Yeah. Definitely," Sylvia says.
"I can already hear the spirits calling me... as soon as we tell Mother, I need to set out again."
Sylvia cocks her head. "By yourself?"
"Well... If you'd... You know... I won't ask you to run off with me on a gut instinct."
"Alice. You trust your spirits, right? And you know I trust you. If you're telling me they want me to go with you, I won't even hesitate."
Alice looks down to hide a wide smile. "Thank you... Auntie Dearest."
Sylvia groans. "We were having a nice moment, and you just had to ruin it."
Alice/Rhett C
Alice pulls Rhett aside as they march. "How are you, Rhett? Feeling OK?
"Little tired. Legs hurt a bit. Also my chest. But I can keep going."
"Good. Let me know if you need to stop to rest or anything, OK?"
"Yeah."
"And feel free to... y'know. Tell me if you want to chat. Or if you have a question or something."
"I have a question," Rhett cuts in immediately.
Alice nods. "OK. Let me hear it."
"Are you OK?"
"I'm fine, Rhett, thanks for asking."
Rhett frowns. "You're lying. Why would you lie about that? And why should I ask questions if I know people will lie?"
"O-oh... Sorry, Rhett. I shouldn't have lied." Alice smiles warmly. "My face still hurts. And my arm hurts a bit, too. Um... Oh. I'm a bit hungry, come to think of it. And I'm really worried. About those crows, and other things. But I can keep going."
Rhett nods. "Good. I'm going to go check on Sylvia. She and Swaroo are falling behind."
"OK. Can you ask her to speak with me once you're done?"
"Little tired. Legs hurt a bit. Also my chest. But I can keep going."
"Good. Let me know if you need to stop to rest or anything, OK?"
"Yeah."
"And feel free to... y'know. Tell me if you want to chat. Or if you have a question or something."
"I have a question," Rhett cuts in immediately.
Alice nods. "OK. Let me hear it."
"Are you OK?"
"I'm fine, Rhett, thanks for asking."
Rhett frowns. "You're lying. Why would you lie about that? And why should I ask questions if I know people will lie?"
"O-oh... Sorry, Rhett. I shouldn't have lied." Alice smiles warmly. "My face still hurts. And my arm hurts a bit, too. Um... Oh. I'm a bit hungry, come to think of it. And I'm really worried. About those crows, and other things. But I can keep going."
Rhett nods. "Good. I'm going to go check on Sylvia. She and Swaroo are falling behind."
"OK. Can you ask her to speak with me once you're done?"
Sylvia/Rhett C
Rhett nods again and wanders back to the halted pair. "I think we're supposed to hurry."
"Oh, right, sorry..." Sylvia says, pulling away. Suarrure smiles and runs ahead.
Rhett watches him go, then turns to Sylvia. "It would really slow us down if we had to wait for you two to finish mating. Especially since you're starting so slow."
"E... Excuse me!?" Sylvia barks.
Rhett cocks his head. "I said you two are slow at mating, and we need to hurry."
"I... I know what you said, but why in Naga's name would you say it!?"
"Because it's true?" Rhett suggests. "I know a lot about animal husbandry and mating habits. Because of mom."
Sylvia's fur stands on end. "Are you comparing laguz to animals...?" she whispers furiously.
"Yes," Rhett says.
Sylvia opens her mouth, then closes it and sighs. She knows he doesn't mean any harm. "Rhett, you shouldn't... compare laguz to animals. Some of us get really... sensitive about that, right?"
"But I compare beorc to animals, too...?" Rhett asks.
"Yes, but it's different..."
"Why?"
"Because... Er... It's complicated." Rhett frowns at Sylvia's answer. Sylvia scratches her head. "Because... a lot of beorc compare laguz to animals as a way to insult them. So sometimes it sounds like an insult even when you don't mean it to be. Or reminds them of an insult."
"Oh. That is complicated," Rhett agrees. "Alice wants to talk to you."
"Right! Alice. Thanks." Sylvia takes advantage of opportunity to escape.
"Oh, right, sorry..." Sylvia says, pulling away. Suarrure smiles and runs ahead.
Rhett watches him go, then turns to Sylvia. "It would really slow us down if we had to wait for you two to finish mating. Especially since you're starting so slow."
"E... Excuse me!?" Sylvia barks.
Rhett cocks his head. "I said you two are slow at mating, and we need to hurry."
"I... I know what you said, but why in Naga's name would you say it!?"
"Because it's true?" Rhett suggests. "I know a lot about animal husbandry and mating habits. Because of mom."
Sylvia's fur stands on end. "Are you comparing laguz to animals...?" she whispers furiously.
"Yes," Rhett says.
Sylvia opens her mouth, then closes it and sighs. She knows he doesn't mean any harm. "Rhett, you shouldn't... compare laguz to animals. Some of us get really... sensitive about that, right?"
"But I compare beorc to animals, too...?" Rhett asks.
"Yes, but it's different..."
"Why?"
"Because... Er... It's complicated." Rhett frowns at Sylvia's answer. Sylvia scratches her head. "Because... a lot of beorc compare laguz to animals as a way to insult them. So sometimes it sounds like an insult even when you don't mean it to be. Or reminds them of an insult."
"Oh. That is complicated," Rhett agrees. "Alice wants to talk to you."
"Right! Alice. Thanks." Sylvia takes advantage of opportunity to escape.
Sylvia/Suarrure C
Suarrure lets Rhett get back to focusing on marching and sidles up to Sylvia. "So-o-o, about that date?"
Sylvia grins. "Date? What date?"
"Didn't you say you wanted me to take you out sometime?" Suarrure asks.
"Well, not quite. I said we shouldn't run off and get married without so much as a date," she corrects him.
Suarrure wags his tail a with a hint of nervousness, then feigns absolute confidence with his most winning smile. "That might not be a yes, but I'm not hearing a 'no,' either. So-o-o-o?"
Sylvia folds her arms and observes Suarrure for a moment. "Well... Hm. What should I do, what should I do? Hm, hm, hm... You did compare me to a goddess. And compliment my jerky. Hmmmmm... Ma-a-a-aybe..."
"Aw, c'mon, this level of teasing's just too much," Suarrure begs.
Sylvia rubs her chin. "I guess I could give you a chance. Maybe. Tell you what. Why don't you hit me with your best compliment,,and then I'll decide? I'll be judging on both how romantic and how original it is.
"OK, give me a sec... Already touched on the eyes, ears, tail... The jerky, the kindness..." Suarrure grins. "Now's not the time to mention those sexy legs. Or that lovely neck. And I'm betting people compliment your intelligence and fighting skill all the time. With good reason. Hm... Got it!" He stops and takes Sylvia's hands again. "You have the most beautiful fingers I have ever seen. So slender and graceful."
Sylvia glares at him, but doesn't pull her hands away. "...Fingers. I tell you to hit me with your best compliment... and you decide to go with my fingers."
"You did say I'd get points for originality."
Sylvia tries to maintain the angry look, but eventually breaks down into a smile. "Well, you got me there. I've certainly never heard that before. Alright, alright, fair enough. You'll have your date. Eventually."
"Yes...!" Suarrure cheers. He wags excitedly and brings Sylvia's hands in front of his face. "I know that was reaching, but you babies scored me a date with an amazing woman. And that makes you the best fingers in the world!" He leans down and repeatedly kisses Sylvia's hands as she giggles at his antics. Her cloak twitches a bit as she tries to hide her tail wagging.
Sylvia grins. "Date? What date?"
"Didn't you say you wanted me to take you out sometime?" Suarrure asks.
"Well, not quite. I said we shouldn't run off and get married without so much as a date," she corrects him.
Suarrure wags his tail a with a hint of nervousness, then feigns absolute confidence with his most winning smile. "That might not be a yes, but I'm not hearing a 'no,' either. So-o-o-o?"
Sylvia folds her arms and observes Suarrure for a moment. "Well... Hm. What should I do, what should I do? Hm, hm, hm... You did compare me to a goddess. And compliment my jerky. Hmmmmm... Ma-a-a-aybe..."
"Aw, c'mon, this level of teasing's just too much," Suarrure begs.
Sylvia rubs her chin. "I guess I could give you a chance. Maybe. Tell you what. Why don't you hit me with your best compliment,,and then I'll decide? I'll be judging on both how romantic and how original it is.
"OK, give me a sec... Already touched on the eyes, ears, tail... The jerky, the kindness..." Suarrure grins. "Now's not the time to mention those sexy legs. Or that lovely neck. And I'm betting people compliment your intelligence and fighting skill all the time. With good reason. Hm... Got it!" He stops and takes Sylvia's hands again. "You have the most beautiful fingers I have ever seen. So slender and graceful."
Sylvia glares at him, but doesn't pull her hands away. "...Fingers. I tell you to hit me with your best compliment... and you decide to go with my fingers."
"You did say I'd get points for originality."
Sylvia tries to maintain the angry look, but eventually breaks down into a smile. "Well, you got me there. I've certainly never heard that before. Alright, alright, fair enough. You'll have your date. Eventually."
"Yes...!" Suarrure cheers. He wags excitedly and brings Sylvia's hands in front of his face. "I know that was reaching, but you babies scored me a date with an amazing woman. And that makes you the best fingers in the world!" He leans down and repeatedly kisses Sylvia's hands as she giggles at his antics. Her cloak twitches a bit as she tries to hide her tail wagging.
Rhett/Suarrure C
After a few minutes of navigation, the caws fade away into the distance. "Man, I think we actually lost them," Suarrure says.
"We can probably find them again easy enough," Rhett offers.
"That, uh, won't be necessary..." Suarrure says. "You don't handle idioms well, do you?"
"Not really," Rhett says.
"Don't say much, either, do you?"
"Not really."
"Do you get along with people?"
"Generally," Rhett shrugs.
"Huh. Well, fair enough. You seem pretty agreeable."
"I agree."
"You, uh... So... What do you do?" Suarrure asks.
"Farm, usually."
"And... How's that? Do you enjoy it?"
"Yeah."
"...Well, great chat. Let's do it again some time," Suarrure suggests.
"OK."
"We can probably find them again easy enough," Rhett offers.
"That, uh, won't be necessary..." Suarrure says. "You don't handle idioms well, do you?"
"Not really," Rhett says.
"Don't say much, either, do you?"
"Not really."
"Do you get along with people?"
"Generally," Rhett shrugs.
"Huh. Well, fair enough. You seem pretty agreeable."
"I agree."
"You, uh... So... What do you do?" Suarrure asks.
"Farm, usually."
"And... How's that? Do you enjoy it?"
"Yeah."
"...Well, great chat. Let's do it again some time," Suarrure suggests.
"OK."
Chapter 2
Lily/Storm C
Lily/Zenia C
Gale/Hawke C
Gale/Storm C
Hawke/Shep C
Hawke/Kelly C
Storm/Zenia C
Harv/Zenia C
Rand/Nevyn C
Rand/Kurt C
Mina/Kurt C
Nevyn/Fei C
Nevyn/Eun'ji C
Judoc/Hyun'ji C
Fei/Kurt C
Mina/Quinn C
Eun'ji/Hyun'ji C
Alice/Carin C
Alice/Allune B
Sylvia/Sorina C
Sorina/Rhett C
Allune/Rhett C
Suarrure/Carin C
Storm finishes preening his mount's feathers and starts working on his own equipment.
"You take good care of your mount," Lily says.
Storm turns to face her with a start. "Oh? Um, thanks... Sorry, I'm still a bit rattled from earlier."
"This was your first real battle?" Lily asks.
"Well... Yes," Storm admits. "How are you so calm?"
"I've gone on a few bandit-hunting missions before," Lily says. "Still, this was... something else. We did all we could, but it's still... horrible. But for now I need to stay strong and put on a brave face. It wouldn't do to let everyone see the leader falter. And like Hell am I going to show any weakness in front of Zenia."
"Oh... Right. I heard you... um..." Storm trails off.
"Yes. In the face." Lily answers.
"I'm not sure that was a great idea. You're going to apologize, right?"
"I... don't know. She was laughing about it," Lily says. "I must admit in all my training in proper etiquette, I never came across 'punching foreign dignitaries.' And the way she reacted... I'll talk to her a bit and feel it out, I suppose."
"Right... Sorry, I must seem a bit pathetic."
Lily smiles at him. "Not at all, Sir Storm. I understand. Just don't let Zenia see.
Storm smiles back. "Right, thank you. Well, I suppose the Valerian representative should go formally introduce himself."
"You take good care of your mount," Lily says.
Storm turns to face her with a start. "Oh? Um, thanks... Sorry, I'm still a bit rattled from earlier."
"This was your first real battle?" Lily asks.
"Well... Yes," Storm admits. "How are you so calm?"
"I've gone on a few bandit-hunting missions before," Lily says. "Still, this was... something else. We did all we could, but it's still... horrible. But for now I need to stay strong and put on a brave face. It wouldn't do to let everyone see the leader falter. And like Hell am I going to show any weakness in front of Zenia."
"Oh... Right. I heard you... um..." Storm trails off.
"Yes. In the face." Lily answers.
"I'm not sure that was a great idea. You're going to apologize, right?"
"I... don't know. She was laughing about it," Lily says. "I must admit in all my training in proper etiquette, I never came across 'punching foreign dignitaries.' And the way she reacted... I'll talk to her a bit and feel it out, I suppose."
"Right... Sorry, I must seem a bit pathetic."
Lily smiles at him. "Not at all, Sir Storm. I understand. Just don't let Zenia see.
Storm smiles back. "Right, thank you. Well, I suppose the Valerian representative should go formally introduce himself."
Lily/Zenia C
"Excuse me," Lily calls over. "Storm, I need speak with Zenia for a few moments."
"Ah. Of course, by all means. Miss Champion?" Storm looks at her expectantly. She gives him a small nod and he takes his leave without hesitation.
Zenia watches him retreat, then turns to Lily. "Princess. Come to apologize?"
Lily gives an endearing smile. "For punching you? Of course not. Though you have my sincere apologies for how things have come to pass."
"Interesting. You're prideful, perhaps foolishly so, but I suppose that's preferable to spineless. You're as eloquent as they say, but far more impetuous than I was led to believe," Zenia says. She folds her arms and grins. "Far cuter, as well. Hmph... You would make a most excellent personal attendant."
"Thank you for the kind words. And I must say you're as much of a terror as they say." Lily rubs her chin where Zenia punched her earlier. "You've certainly got the strength to back up your confidence."
"You, on the other hand, hit like a little kitten! Hmph... On second thought, it wouldn't do to have a weak attendant. Regardless of her skill in magic. Perhaps you wouldn't make a fitting servant. Yet. Heh... I believe we should rectify this. You've got potential... Yes! I shall train you, yes, help you grow strong. I'll make you worthy of scrubbing my floors, at least."
"I pray I can live up to your great expectations," Lily says pleasantly. "Though I fear your disposition bars you from returning the favor."
"You insult me?" Zenia laughs. "Definitely not the spineless court beauty I expected...!"
Lily giggles. "Thank you. If you'll excuse me, I need to make sure we're prepared to march to the garrison. I've made arrangements for you t-"
"Bah. I need to make sure my cute little kitten survives long enough to grow into a mighty dragon. I'll travel with you for a bit. I need to go make my own arrangements with the pirates that brought me here." Zenia turns and walks off without waiting for permission.
"Ah. Of course, by all means. Miss Champion?" Storm looks at her expectantly. She gives him a small nod and he takes his leave without hesitation.
Zenia watches him retreat, then turns to Lily. "Princess. Come to apologize?"
Lily gives an endearing smile. "For punching you? Of course not. Though you have my sincere apologies for how things have come to pass."
"Interesting. You're prideful, perhaps foolishly so, but I suppose that's preferable to spineless. You're as eloquent as they say, but far more impetuous than I was led to believe," Zenia says. She folds her arms and grins. "Far cuter, as well. Hmph... You would make a most excellent personal attendant."
"Thank you for the kind words. And I must say you're as much of a terror as they say." Lily rubs her chin where Zenia punched her earlier. "You've certainly got the strength to back up your confidence."
"You, on the other hand, hit like a little kitten! Hmph... On second thought, it wouldn't do to have a weak attendant. Regardless of her skill in magic. Perhaps you wouldn't make a fitting servant. Yet. Heh... I believe we should rectify this. You've got potential... Yes! I shall train you, yes, help you grow strong. I'll make you worthy of scrubbing my floors, at least."
"I pray I can live up to your great expectations," Lily says pleasantly. "Though I fear your disposition bars you from returning the favor."
"You insult me?" Zenia laughs. "Definitely not the spineless court beauty I expected...!"
Lily giggles. "Thank you. If you'll excuse me, I need to make sure we're prepared to march to the garrison. I've made arrangements for you t-"
"Bah. I need to make sure my cute little kitten survives long enough to grow into a mighty dragon. I'll travel with you for a bit. I need to go make my own arrangements with the pirates that brought me here." Zenia turns and walks off without waiting for permission.
Gale/Hawke C
Gale scurries along the town, searching for survivors like Lily ordered. Unfortunately, the thick smell of blood and burning is making it hard to track any scents. She's so intent on her job she doesn't hear the intimidating flapping sound until it's almost on top of her. She looks up just in time to see Hawke and his wyvern landing right next to her. Gale squeals and dives behind a handy piece of rubble, though it's far too small to hide much more than her head. "G-g-get that giant flying li-lizard away from me-e-e!"
Hawke ignores her panicked response. "Mm. Don't worry, I'm on the way to collect the survivors hidden in the woods. Princess' orders. But my primary duty's to protect her. So I want to make sure there's someone who I can trust to watch over her in my absence."
"S-s-sure!" Gale stammers.
"Good. If she trusts you enough to travel with you after your little ambush stunt, I suppose I can trust you, as well. And you're certainly capable in combat. I suppose I should be grateful for this."
"Yes, yes y-y-you should be! Now get out of here! Lily's my friend, of course I'm not going to let anything happen to her...!"
"See that you don't. Or I'll have my friend here eat you," Hawke threatens. He signals his wyvern to take off without another word.
"Th-that... Th-that... D-don't even joke about that...!" Gale calls after him, long after he's too far to hear.
Hawke ignores her panicked response. "Mm. Don't worry, I'm on the way to collect the survivors hidden in the woods. Princess' orders. But my primary duty's to protect her. So I want to make sure there's someone who I can trust to watch over her in my absence."
"S-s-sure!" Gale stammers.
"Good. If she trusts you enough to travel with you after your little ambush stunt, I suppose I can trust you, as well. And you're certainly capable in combat. I suppose I should be grateful for this."
"Yes, yes y-y-you should be! Now get out of here! Lily's my friend, of course I'm not going to let anything happen to her...!"
"See that you don't. Or I'll have my friend here eat you," Hawke threatens. He signals his wyvern to take off without another word.
"Th-that... Th-that... D-don't even joke about that...!" Gale calls after him, long after he's too far to hear.
Gale/Storm C
She finds Storm standing over an injured young man stuck under a partially collapsed roof, his mount standing nervously off to the side.
"Gale! Perfect. He's still breathing. Give me a hand with this damnable thing...!" Storm spits out.
Gale hops over and wedges herself under part of the beam. "OK, I'll lift and you push. On three..."
With some effort, they manage to toss the wood aside. Storm drags the man a few feet away. "OK... Um... This is really bad..." Storm admits.
"Aren't you trained in healing?" Gale asks. "I thought that was a pre-requisite for joining the Holy Knights?"
"Well, yes, healing magic is part of our training, just like riding, lances, swordsmanship... But I'm nowhere near experienced enough to treat this bad of an injury. Dammit, we've got to get him back to the priest! Hurry, help me load him onto-"
"It'll be hard for you to fly and carry him, right? I'll do it, you get back to searching." Gale bundles him up and tosses him over her shoulder. "I'm not usually the type to say this, but you need to calm down! No one can do everything. You did good finding this guy, and you protected the princess earlier - focus on the positive and the things you can do, not what you can't, K?"
Storm nods. He seems to have calmed down a lot. "Um... Ye-yeah. OK. Sorry. Thanks, Gale."
Gale sticks her tongue out at him. "Good! Now get back to work."
"Right!" Storm swings up onto his pegasus and takes off.
"Gale! Perfect. He's still breathing. Give me a hand with this damnable thing...!" Storm spits out.
Gale hops over and wedges herself under part of the beam. "OK, I'll lift and you push. On three..."
With some effort, they manage to toss the wood aside. Storm drags the man a few feet away. "OK... Um... This is really bad..." Storm admits.
"Aren't you trained in healing?" Gale asks. "I thought that was a pre-requisite for joining the Holy Knights?"
"Well, yes, healing magic is part of our training, just like riding, lances, swordsmanship... But I'm nowhere near experienced enough to treat this bad of an injury. Dammit, we've got to get him back to the priest! Hurry, help me load him onto-"
"It'll be hard for you to fly and carry him, right? I'll do it, you get back to searching." Gale bundles him up and tosses him over her shoulder. "I'm not usually the type to say this, but you need to calm down! No one can do everything. You did good finding this guy, and you protected the princess earlier - focus on the positive and the things you can do, not what you can't, K?"
Storm nods. He seems to have calmed down a lot. "Um... Ye-yeah. OK. Sorry. Thanks, Gale."
Gale sticks her tongue out at him. "Good! Now get back to work."
"Right!" Storm swings up onto his pegasus and takes off.
Hawke/Shep C
Shep sits exhausted in the shade of the buildings by the docks. Hawke's wyvern sits on the dock and splashes in the water a bit. Hawke walks over and leans against the wall by Shep.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Shep asks.
"...My wyvern? Well, yes..." Hawke answers.
"Huh...? Oh... No, I meant the ocean. A shame we're here for such unpleasant business." Shep sighs. "I'd love to live in a place like this. The sea breeze, the spray..."
"Hm. Personally, I prefer the mountains," Hawke says.
"Oh? I've been never actually been up one."
"Shame. The view's incredible. Almost as good as the view from a wyvern. And the air's amazingly clean and crisp."
"Huh. You've spent a lot of time in the mountains?" Shep asks.
"Mm. Born and raised, until I ran off to become a mercenary." Hawke folds his arms. "Dunno that I'd want to retire to the mountains, though. Too many memories."
Shep and Hawke sit in awkward silence until Hawke's wyvern finishes playing and comes looking for him. Hawke gives Shep a small nod and walks over to put his mount's armor back on.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Shep asks.
"...My wyvern? Well, yes..." Hawke answers.
"Huh...? Oh... No, I meant the ocean. A shame we're here for such unpleasant business." Shep sighs. "I'd love to live in a place like this. The sea breeze, the spray..."
"Hm. Personally, I prefer the mountains," Hawke says.
"Oh? I've been never actually been up one."
"Shame. The view's incredible. Almost as good as the view from a wyvern. And the air's amazingly clean and crisp."
"Huh. You've spent a lot of time in the mountains?" Shep asks.
"Mm. Born and raised, until I ran off to become a mercenary." Hawke folds his arms. "Dunno that I'd want to retire to the mountains, though. Too many memories."
Shep and Hawke sit in awkward silence until Hawke's wyvern finishes playing and comes looking for him. Hawke gives Shep a small nod and walks over to put his mount's armor back on.
Hawke/Kelly C
Kelly walks over while he's busy and unable to run off. "Hey," she calls out to him. "Got a minute?"
Hawke shrugs. "Depends what you need."
"You used to be a mercenary, right?" Kelly asks.
"Yes."
"And you don't even try to hide it..." Kelly says accusingly.
"Not something to be ashamed of."
"Really? Because mercenaries burned this town to the ground."
"Not my group," Hawke says flatly.
"But you don't-"
"I don't feel the least bit of remorse or responsibility for what happened here today, no. Why should I? Besides, I'm not a merc anymore. Now I'm a royal guardsman. Maybe I've got less polish than some because of my background, but I earned my rank. Besides, the past is the past." Hawke finishes preparing his mount and jumps up. "Any other stupid questions? Otherwise I'm going to scout a bit."
"Oh, no, go right ahead," Kelly says. Hawke doesn't hesitate to fly off, leaving Kelly glaring after him.
Hawke shrugs. "Depends what you need."
"You used to be a mercenary, right?" Kelly asks.
"Yes."
"And you don't even try to hide it..." Kelly says accusingly.
"Not something to be ashamed of."
"Really? Because mercenaries burned this town to the ground."
"Not my group," Hawke says flatly.
"But you don't-"
"I don't feel the least bit of remorse or responsibility for what happened here today, no. Why should I? Besides, I'm not a merc anymore. Now I'm a royal guardsman. Maybe I've got less polish than some because of my background, but I earned my rank. Besides, the past is the past." Hawke finishes preparing his mount and jumps up. "Any other stupid questions? Otherwise I'm going to scout a bit."
"Oh, no, go right ahead," Kelly says. Hawke doesn't hesitate to fly off, leaving Kelly glaring after him.
Storm/Zenia C
Storm gives a wave and heads over to find Zenia. He finds her relaxing on an abandoned chair. She rises and walks over to greet him. "You're searching for me?"
"Yes, I never had a chance to properly introduce myself," Storm says. "I am Storm, Valerian Holy Knight. My apologies, we didn't receive a formal notice of your arrival and couldn't prepare a proper escort."
"Hmph. Yet you had time to set up this 'summit' thing you're dragging me to," Zenia says accusingly.
"Ah, so your messenger already explained everything? I'm glad to hear he made it through unharmed."
"I suppose," Zenia says with a shrug. Her eyes narrow and she stares at Storm intently. "This may be sudden, but tell me, young knight - why is it that you fight?"
"Excuse me?" Storm asks.
"I wish to know why you became a knight," Zenia insists.
"Erm... That's a bit personal," Storm says.
"Was it just because your mother was a knight?" she asks with a slightly accusatory edge to her voice.
"I... Frankly, that's not your business, Zenia," Storm says with an annoyed tone.
"Oh? Did I touch a nerve?" Zenia asks. "Are you worried you can't live up to mommy? Or perhaps you've realized how selfish and pathetic of a driving motivation this is?"
"You insult me," Storm says.
"You insult your country," Zenia says.
"YOU-!" Storm bellows.
"Yes, I never had a chance to properly introduce myself," Storm says. "I am Storm, Valerian Holy Knight. My apologies, we didn't receive a formal notice of your arrival and couldn't prepare a proper escort."
"Hmph. Yet you had time to set up this 'summit' thing you're dragging me to," Zenia says accusingly.
"Ah, so your messenger already explained everything? I'm glad to hear he made it through unharmed."
"I suppose," Zenia says with a shrug. Her eyes narrow and she stares at Storm intently. "This may be sudden, but tell me, young knight - why is it that you fight?"
"Excuse me?" Storm asks.
"I wish to know why you became a knight," Zenia insists.
"Erm... That's a bit personal," Storm says.
"Was it just because your mother was a knight?" she asks with a slightly accusatory edge to her voice.
"I... Frankly, that's not your business, Zenia," Storm says with an annoyed tone.
"Oh? Did I touch a nerve?" Zenia asks. "Are you worried you can't live up to mommy? Or perhaps you've realized how selfish and pathetic of a driving motivation this is?"
"You insult me," Storm says.
"You insult your country," Zenia says.
"YOU-!" Storm bellows.
Harv/Zenia C
"Harv! Where are you?"
Harv climbs out from below decks. "Quit yer hollerin'! I'm just concludin' replinishin' our stores an' makin' ready fer departure."
"And where, praytell, do you think you're going? Our new contract isn't up," Zenia says.
"Huh? Wait, waitwaitwait, what? I thought you just wanted me to fight that battle," Harv says. He suddenly changes his demeanor.
"Was I unclear? You're coming with me until I decide you're done or no longer useful," Zenia orders.
"No, thanks. I don't need that sort of money. I'm a sailor, not a mercenary."
"I want you," Zenia insists.
"...Why?" Harv asks.
"Because."
"I'm not-"
"Not only will you be paid handsomely, I'll make sure your mother's whole organization receives recognition and favor from the Feroxi government." Zenia folds her arms and observes Harv closely.
Harv is silent for a moment, then goes back to his former attitude. "Well, for my dear matriarch, I suppose I'll deign to engage in further partnership... ma'am."
"That's better," Zenia smirks.
Harv climbs out from below decks. "Quit yer hollerin'! I'm just concludin' replinishin' our stores an' makin' ready fer departure."
"And where, praytell, do you think you're going? Our new contract isn't up," Zenia says.
"Huh? Wait, waitwaitwait, what? I thought you just wanted me to fight that battle," Harv says. He suddenly changes his demeanor.
"Was I unclear? You're coming with me until I decide you're done or no longer useful," Zenia orders.
"No, thanks. I don't need that sort of money. I'm a sailor, not a mercenary."
"I want you," Zenia insists.
"...Why?" Harv asks.
"Because."
"I'm not-"
"Not only will you be paid handsomely, I'll make sure your mother's whole organization receives recognition and favor from the Feroxi government." Zenia folds her arms and observes Harv closely.
Harv is silent for a moment, then goes back to his former attitude. "Well, for my dear matriarch, I suppose I'll deign to engage in further partnership... ma'am."
"That's better," Zenia smirks.
Rand/Nevyn C
Nevyn excuses himself and goes to find Rand. It's not hard - he just has to look for the giant wyvern. Rand's busy maintaining Hector's armor, checking the straps for wear. It seems fine for now, but it's going to need some patching when this mission's done. Hector shrieks quietly as Nevyn approaches. Rand turns and greets him. "Hey, Nevyn, everything alright?"
"Ah, yes, of course. I just wanted to make sure you were doing well?" Nevyn asks.
"I'd love a break," Rand admits. "But we don't really have the time, do we? Gotta get ready for the next fight. What about you?"
"I am... fine. I need to thank you again for helping us at the fort," Nevyn says.
"No need to thank us. Besides, you were there to help us, right?"
"Yes, but still... You could have simply abandoned us to our fate."
"Not a chance. I couldn't do something like that. Besides, Mom would've kicked my ass if I had."
"...I see." Nevyn smiles a bit, then it fades. "I... must apologize, as well. We were too late to help your countrymen. Had we arrived sooner, perhaps they would have survived."
"Or perhaps you would have died alongside them," Rand suggests. "Don't dwell on it."
"I... see. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go check on the archer. Thank you, Prince Rand." Nevyn leaves without another word.
"Ah, yes, of course. I just wanted to make sure you were doing well?" Nevyn asks.
"I'd love a break," Rand admits. "But we don't really have the time, do we? Gotta get ready for the next fight. What about you?"
"I am... fine. I need to thank you again for helping us at the fort," Nevyn says.
"No need to thank us. Besides, you were there to help us, right?"
"Yes, but still... You could have simply abandoned us to our fate."
"Not a chance. I couldn't do something like that. Besides, Mom would've kicked my ass if I had."
"...I see." Nevyn smiles a bit, then it fades. "I... must apologize, as well. We were too late to help your countrymen. Had we arrived sooner, perhaps they would have survived."
"Or perhaps you would have died alongside them," Rand suggests. "Don't dwell on it."
"I... see. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go check on the archer. Thank you, Prince Rand." Nevyn leaves without another word.
Rand/Kurt C
Kurt appears behind Rand and tosses his arms over his shoulders. "Hey, Rand!"
"GAH! Kurt! Grima's name, don't do that!" Rand yelps.
"Ah, but it's so much fun. Besides, if I don't, you'll never learn. I swear, one of these days, it's going to be a knife in your back that gets you." Kurt pantomimes a stabbing motion.
"Don't joke about stuff like that..." Rand chastises him. "So, Kurt, I've gotta ask. How'd you... y'know? Know about all this stuff? With the mercenaries?"
"Oh... Um... Because," Kurt says evasively.
"Be-cause...?"
"I mean, I... investigate stuff. Y'know. Poke around. Listen to things," Kurt says. He holds his hands behind his head and looks off in the distance.
"Right... So, basically, you're up to your old tricks of skulking around in unsavory places again?" Rand sighs. "Didn't your father-"
"Oh, hey, look at the time!" Kurt says. "I need to go."
"Hey, wait! Kurt, get... back here. Tch."
"GAH! Kurt! Grima's name, don't do that!" Rand yelps.
"Ah, but it's so much fun. Besides, if I don't, you'll never learn. I swear, one of these days, it's going to be a knife in your back that gets you." Kurt pantomimes a stabbing motion.
"Don't joke about stuff like that..." Rand chastises him. "So, Kurt, I've gotta ask. How'd you... y'know? Know about all this stuff? With the mercenaries?"
"Oh... Um... Because," Kurt says evasively.
"Be-cause...?"
"I mean, I... investigate stuff. Y'know. Poke around. Listen to things," Kurt says. He holds his hands behind his head and looks off in the distance.
"Right... So, basically, you're up to your old tricks of skulking around in unsavory places again?" Rand sighs. "Didn't your father-"
"Oh, hey, look at the time!" Kurt says. "I need to go."
"Hey, wait! Kurt, get... back here. Tch."
Mina/Kurt C
Kurt disappears into one of the old forts. He's not surprised in the least to find Mina inside. She's doing a few simple exercises and swinging her spear. She seems to be adjusting to her new armor well enough. Kurt calls out to her quietly. "Hey."
Mina leaps into the air. "GAH! Kurt! D-don't do that!"
"I announced myself as innocently as possible..." he protests. "So, you got some new armor, huh? Not often someone spontaneously changes class in the middle of a battle without a seal artifact."
"Oh... Is it odd?"
"Nah, it's not really weird. Just rare. So, how've you been? Looks like you're still following Rand around with little puppy-dog eyes but without the guts to tell him you've got a crush?" Kurt asks accusingly.
Mina narrows her eyes at him. "Hmph. And you? The same? Envy doesn't look good on you, you know. Just because I get to live with him while you only get to see him every few months?"
"Wha-?"
"Oh, you can dish it out, but you can't take it?" Mina asks coldly.
Kurt stares at her silently for a moment, then lets out a small laugh. "Well, look who finally grew a spine!"
"Ha! The new and improved Mina doesn't take crap from anyone, not even Kurt!"
Kurt grins and laughs. "I'll see you around, Mina."
Mina leaps into the air. "GAH! Kurt! D-don't do that!"
"I announced myself as innocently as possible..." he protests. "So, you got some new armor, huh? Not often someone spontaneously changes class in the middle of a battle without a seal artifact."
"Oh... Is it odd?"
"Nah, it's not really weird. Just rare. So, how've you been? Looks like you're still following Rand around with little puppy-dog eyes but without the guts to tell him you've got a crush?" Kurt asks accusingly.
Mina narrows her eyes at him. "Hmph. And you? The same? Envy doesn't look good on you, you know. Just because I get to live with him while you only get to see him every few months?"
"Wha-?"
"Oh, you can dish it out, but you can't take it?" Mina asks coldly.
Kurt stares at her silently for a moment, then lets out a small laugh. "Well, look who finally grew a spine!"
"Ha! The new and improved Mina doesn't take crap from anyone, not even Kurt!"
Kurt grins and laughs. "I'll see you around, Mina."
Nevyn/Fei C
Nevyn finds Fei cleaning and sharpening her axe. "Are you well, Fei?" he asks.
"Hm? Oh! Yep. Right as rain," Fei assures him. Her smile quickly fade. "Er...! Um... Right, that was that Valerian captain's name, isn't it... I hope they didn't hear that."
"I don't expect they would take offense," Nevyn says. "What of your injuries?"
"All healed," she promises. "I'm good to go, Boss!"
"Mm, good. I'm glad to find you in high spirits. I was worried I may need to encourage you a bit. Which is not exactly my strong suit..." Nevyn admits.
"Aw, you're fi-i-i-ine. You're still a bit inexperienced, but you'll grow into it. Heck, didn't you risk running through a foggy field of Risen to find help, earlier? That's the sort of thing a commander can't learn. The other stuff comes with experience. You'll get there."
Nevyn smiles. "Heh... I came to encourage you, and it ended up the other way around. Thank you, Fei."
"Don't mention it, Boss!"
"Hm? Oh! Yep. Right as rain," Fei assures him. Her smile quickly fade. "Er...! Um... Right, that was that Valerian captain's name, isn't it... I hope they didn't hear that."
"I don't expect they would take offense," Nevyn says. "What of your injuries?"
"All healed," she promises. "I'm good to go, Boss!"
"Mm, good. I'm glad to find you in high spirits. I was worried I may need to encourage you a bit. Which is not exactly my strong suit..." Nevyn admits.
"Aw, you're fi-i-i-ine. You're still a bit inexperienced, but you'll grow into it. Heck, didn't you risk running through a foggy field of Risen to find help, earlier? That's the sort of thing a commander can't learn. The other stuff comes with experience. You'll get there."
Nevyn smiles. "Heh... I came to encourage you, and it ended up the other way around. Thank you, Fei."
"Don't mention it, Boss!"
Nevyn/Eun'ji C
He walks into the house to find Eun'ji sitting up in the bed. She fidgets nervously as he approaches.
"Are you well?" Nevyn asks.
"Yes, milord, thank you for asking..." she answers, averting her eyes.
"Hm? Oh... I am no lord, merely another soldier," Nevyn says. "No need to speak so formally. Please, simply call me Nevyn."
"My apologies, milord, but it would be unbecoming of a servant of the royal family to address a foreign officer with such disrespect."
"A servant...?"
"Yes, milord. My family has been in service of the royal family for generations. My parents work in the royal palace, and my sister... Ah, my sister holds a high office, as well. But it was my honor to be selected as Master Hyun'ji's personal attendant." She smiles with obvious pride.
"I see... I wish to praise your dedication to your... master, and your tenacity in battle. Not many would keep fighting with injuries such as yours," Nevyn says.
"Ah...! Th-thank you, milord, for your kind words. But had you not arrived when you did, I fear we would have been overwhelmed. So, thank you." She gives a small bow, the most she can manage from the awkward position.
"Are you well?" Nevyn asks.
"Yes, milord, thank you for asking..." she answers, averting her eyes.
"Hm? Oh... I am no lord, merely another soldier," Nevyn says. "No need to speak so formally. Please, simply call me Nevyn."
"My apologies, milord, but it would be unbecoming of a servant of the royal family to address a foreign officer with such disrespect."
"A servant...?"
"Yes, milord. My family has been in service of the royal family for generations. My parents work in the royal palace, and my sister... Ah, my sister holds a high office, as well. But it was my honor to be selected as Master Hyun'ji's personal attendant." She smiles with obvious pride.
"I see... I wish to praise your dedication to your... master, and your tenacity in battle. Not many would keep fighting with injuries such as yours," Nevyn says.
"Ah...! Th-thank you, milord, for your kind words. But had you not arrived when you did, I fear we would have been overwhelmed. So, thank you." She gives a small bow, the most she can manage from the awkward position.
Judoc/Hyun'ji C
Judoc catches him as he leaves the house. "Hey. You're pretty badly injured, aren't you?"
"What?" Hyun'ji is surprised by the sudden interruption. "Are you...? Who are you?"
"Oh, sorry. I'm Nevyn's second-in-command. Sorry it I'm overstepping my bounds here, but I noticed you're limping a bit, and your grip looks a bit off."
"...I'm... fine," Hyun'ji assures him.
"You should rest," Judoc suggests. "No need to shoulder everything yourself. We're going to need you in the upcoming fight, so... y'know, go rest up a bit. Didn't you almost drown?"
"Yes, I... did," Hyun'ji admits.
"Sorry, I'm being a busy-body. But take care of yourself, OK? I get the impression you're kind of the self-sacrificing type." Judoc pats him on the shoulder, a bit harder than necessary.
Hyun'ji winces a bit. "OK, I suppose you are correct. I... will go rest a few minutes."
Judoc nods approvingly and wanders off.
"What?" Hyun'ji is surprised by the sudden interruption. "Are you...? Who are you?"
"Oh, sorry. I'm Nevyn's second-in-command. Sorry it I'm overstepping my bounds here, but I noticed you're limping a bit, and your grip looks a bit off."
"...I'm... fine," Hyun'ji assures him.
"You should rest," Judoc suggests. "No need to shoulder everything yourself. We're going to need you in the upcoming fight, so... y'know, go rest up a bit. Didn't you almost drown?"
"Yes, I... did," Hyun'ji admits.
"Sorry, I'm being a busy-body. But take care of yourself, OK? I get the impression you're kind of the self-sacrificing type." Judoc pats him on the shoulder, a bit harder than necessary.
Hyun'ji winces a bit. "OK, I suppose you are correct. I... will go rest a few minutes."
Judoc nods approvingly and wanders off.
Fei/Kurt C
He's about to open the door to the next, but stops with his hand on the doorknob. There's a soft snoring coming from inside. He pushes open the door and quietly sneaks inside. He finds Fei curled up on the bed, fast asleep.
Kurt clears his throat in annoyance. She continues snoring softly. "Hey," he says." No response. He walks over and jabs her in her exposed stomach. "Hey!"
"Mm? Oh... Hey..." she answers drowsily. "Need something?"
"Huh. Weird, usually people jump in surprise when I... Anyway, what are you doing sleeping? We're supposed to be preparing for a fight!"
"I am preparing for a fight..." Fei says. "By napping. So I'll be rested."
"Yeah, well, that's great for you. But we've got other things to do to get ready, so come lend a hand," Kurt says.
"I already cleaned and sharpened my axe, polished my breastplate, and had Judoc sew up the cuts on my clothes... What else needs to be done?"
"Er... Scouting, for one. Get off your butt and help me check the rest of these houses."
"Ugh, fine." Fei rolls out of the bed and joins Kurt on his investigation, but she's pretty clearly not interested.
Kurt clears his throat in annoyance. She continues snoring softly. "Hey," he says." No response. He walks over and jabs her in her exposed stomach. "Hey!"
"Mm? Oh... Hey..." she answers drowsily. "Need something?"
"Huh. Weird, usually people jump in surprise when I... Anyway, what are you doing sleeping? We're supposed to be preparing for a fight!"
"I am preparing for a fight..." Fei says. "By napping. So I'll be rested."
"Yeah, well, that's great for you. But we've got other things to do to get ready, so come lend a hand," Kurt says.
"I already cleaned and sharpened my axe, polished my breastplate, and had Judoc sew up the cuts on my clothes... What else needs to be done?"
"Er... Scouting, for one. Get off your butt and help me check the rest of these houses."
"Ugh, fine." Fei rolls out of the bed and joins Kurt on his investigation, but she's pretty clearly not interested.
Mina/Quinn C
Mina tracks down Quinn while he's resting under a tree. "Hey, Quinn. Nice to see you again..." she says shyly.
"Oh... Hey, Mina. Yeah, nice," he agrees.
"Yeah... Nice."
"Yeah."
"Um... Is something bothering you?" she asks.
"Yeah, a little. I'm just worried about the others. I know several died in the ambush, but I'm worried about the ones that escaped. I really hope they got away... I wish I could've done more to help, other than just run..."
"You did what you had to do," Mina reassures him gently. "To help us. And accomplish your mission."
"...Dad always said that a good tactician knows not all missions can be accomplished without casualties, but a good tactician always tries to minimize them..." Quinn says sadly.
"...Says," Mina corrects him.
"Hm?"
"You said 'Dad always said.' You mean 'he always says.' I'm sure he's fine. He's been through a lot worse than an ambush by a few mercenaries, and so has Captain Raine..." Mina trails off.
"...Thank you, Mina..."
"O-oh... Y-yeah. Um... I'm... going to go practice my lancework. S-so, um... Bye." Quinn nods at her, and she scurries off.
"Oh... Hey, Mina. Yeah, nice," he agrees.
"Yeah... Nice."
"Yeah."
"Um... Is something bothering you?" she asks.
"Yeah, a little. I'm just worried about the others. I know several died in the ambush, but I'm worried about the ones that escaped. I really hope they got away... I wish I could've done more to help, other than just run..."
"You did what you had to do," Mina reassures him gently. "To help us. And accomplish your mission."
"...Dad always said that a good tactician knows not all missions can be accomplished without casualties, but a good tactician always tries to minimize them..." Quinn says sadly.
"...Says," Mina corrects him.
"Hm?"
"You said 'Dad always said.' You mean 'he always says.' I'm sure he's fine. He's been through a lot worse than an ambush by a few mercenaries, and so has Captain Raine..." Mina trails off.
"...Thank you, Mina..."
"O-oh... Y-yeah. Um... I'm... going to go practice my lancework. S-so, um... Bye." Quinn nods at her, and she scurries off.
Eun'ji/Hyun'ji C
As the others trickle out, Eun'ji wakes from her stupor to find herself laying on a table in a strange house. She tries to sit up, but a sharp pain in her chest stops her. She realizes it's heavily bandaged. Looking around, she spots Hyun'ji searching through the wardrobe. "Mas...ter?"
He jumps up, hurriedly grabbing a rough-spun tunic that looks like it might fit. He brings it over to Eun'ji and helps her sit up. "Easy, Eun, I've got you... Here. I know it's not as nice an outfit as you're used to, but it's better than nothing until we can get that cleaned and repaired. Let me help you put it on."
"Ah...! Assisting a lowly servant such as myself with such a menial task-" Eun'ji protests.
"Peace, Eun. As Uncle says, the people serve their ruler. And, in turn, a good ruler must serve his people in equal measure. And you have done much for me this day."
"B-but... Had you not awoken when you did, I would surely have fallen, and failed in my duty to protect you..."
"Had you not caught the sabateour and thrown me from the ship-"
"A thousand apologies, Ma-" Eun'ji yells. She attempts to bow, but Hyun'ji catches her shoulder and stops her.
"Had you not thrown me overboard when you did, rather than simply escaping yourself, had you not fought desperately despite your own wounds and
overwhelming odds when you could have attempted to flee..." Hyun'ji lowers himself to his knees and bows low. "I will not forget your loyalty this day, Eun'ji, nor the debt I owe. It would be my great honor to assist you in this small way, if you will permit it."
Eun'ji is stunned. For a member of the royal family to be treating her this way...! "I-I... M-Mas...ter... If..." She feels her head swimming and suddenly feels very faint. Hyun'ji looks up with just enough time to catch her as she passes out again. He manages to rouse her again and help her get dressed, then carries her over to the bed. "Now rest for a few moments. I need to go prepare our defenses."
He jumps up, hurriedly grabbing a rough-spun tunic that looks like it might fit. He brings it over to Eun'ji and helps her sit up. "Easy, Eun, I've got you... Here. I know it's not as nice an outfit as you're used to, but it's better than nothing until we can get that cleaned and repaired. Let me help you put it on."
"Ah...! Assisting a lowly servant such as myself with such a menial task-" Eun'ji protests.
"Peace, Eun. As Uncle says, the people serve their ruler. And, in turn, a good ruler must serve his people in equal measure. And you have done much for me this day."
"B-but... Had you not awoken when you did, I would surely have fallen, and failed in my duty to protect you..."
"Had you not caught the sabateour and thrown me from the ship-"
"A thousand apologies, Ma-" Eun'ji yells. She attempts to bow, but Hyun'ji catches her shoulder and stops her.
"Had you not thrown me overboard when you did, rather than simply escaping yourself, had you not fought desperately despite your own wounds and
overwhelming odds when you could have attempted to flee..." Hyun'ji lowers himself to his knees and bows low. "I will not forget your loyalty this day, Eun'ji, nor the debt I owe. It would be my great honor to assist you in this small way, if you will permit it."
Eun'ji is stunned. For a member of the royal family to be treating her this way...! "I-I... M-Mas...ter... If..." She feels her head swimming and suddenly feels very faint. Hyun'ji looks up with just enough time to catch her as she passes out again. He manages to rouse her again and help her get dressed, then carries her over to the bed. "Now rest for a few moments. I need to go prepare our defenses."
Alice/Carin C
Alice rummages through her belt for some medicine and walks over to Carin. She pauses to pat her mount for a moment. "Good girl, you probably saved Carin's life."
"She did?" Carin asks in confusion. "O-oh... I guess you're right... Good girl!" She hops off her mount and gives her a hug.
"She really seems to like you," Alice says with a smile.
"I guess so," Carin says. "I... never really thought about it before. I mean, I know I like her, and I try to take good care of her, but I've never really wondered if she likes me..."
Alice laughs. "I don't think you have to worry about that. Now, come on. Let's see that leg. Off with the armor."
"Um... H-here?" Carin says with a nervous laugh. "That's a bit..."
Alice frowns. "You're a healer. You know I need to be able to see the injury to treat it. This isn't really the time for modesty."
"Right, right... Um..." Carin hesitates.
Allune lands and spreads her wings like a screen. "Would you hurry up? We need to get moving."
"Ah... Thanks," Carin says.
Allune grunts in acknowledgement. Alice gives Allune a knowing smile as she begins treating Carin. When Alice finishes, Carin thanks her and goes to check the others.
"She did?" Carin asks in confusion. "O-oh... I guess you're right... Good girl!" She hops off her mount and gives her a hug.
"She really seems to like you," Alice says with a smile.
"I guess so," Carin says. "I... never really thought about it before. I mean, I know I like her, and I try to take good care of her, but I've never really wondered if she likes me..."
Alice laughs. "I don't think you have to worry about that. Now, come on. Let's see that leg. Off with the armor."
"Um... H-here?" Carin says with a nervous laugh. "That's a bit..."
Alice frowns. "You're a healer. You know I need to be able to see the injury to treat it. This isn't really the time for modesty."
"Right, right... Um..." Carin hesitates.
Allune lands and spreads her wings like a screen. "Would you hurry up? We need to get moving."
"Ah... Thanks," Carin says.
Allune grunts in acknowledgement. Alice gives Allune a knowing smile as she begins treating Carin. When Alice finishes, Carin thanks her and goes to check the others.
Alice/Allune B
Allune starts to fly off, but a hand wrapped gently around her ankle stops her. "Thank you, Allune. By the way, did you give any thought about what I said the other day?" Alice asks, holding Allune in place.
Allune looks confused for a moment. "About...? Oh. How unpleasant experiences have value or... something?"
Alice nods. "Yes. So...?"
Allune shakes her head. "Not... really."
Alice closes her eyes for a moment, then looks up at Allune with a mischevious grin. "Well, why don't we find your answer? Come down and walk with us. I think you need to feel the ground beneath your feet for a bit."
"Alice..." Allune says with a hint of annoyance in her voice. "First of all, no. Second of all, I need to stay up here and watch for ambushes."
"Between you, Suarrure, and Sylvia, I don't think we need to worry. Please?" Alice implores her with an encouraging smile. "I'd really enjoy your company. A chance to talk with you on equal ground. Just for a few minutes." She releases Allune's ankle and gingerly starts to pull off her shoe.
Allune sighs, but offers no further protest. "Fine." She lets Alice take her shoes, rolls up her pants, and lands with an immediate grimace. "Ugh... So gross...! Don't ask me to do this again. And you owe me for this. At the very least I expect you to warn me before you go wandering off half-naked from now on."
"Oh? So you can join me?" Alice teases her.
Allune refuses to give her the satisfaction. "Yes, exactly. Watching you's my burden, after all..."
Alice offers Allune her shoes back. "Thank you for humoring me," she says with a soft smile. "So? Did you find your answer?"
Allune snatches them back and hops into the air. "Yes. That was disgusting and I don't understand how you can 'enjoy' walking around like that."
"But was the experience... meaningful?" Alice asks.
Allune puts her hands on her hips and looks away. "Well... Maybe. A little."
Allune looks confused for a moment. "About...? Oh. How unpleasant experiences have value or... something?"
Alice nods. "Yes. So...?"
Allune shakes her head. "Not... really."
Alice closes her eyes for a moment, then looks up at Allune with a mischevious grin. "Well, why don't we find your answer? Come down and walk with us. I think you need to feel the ground beneath your feet for a bit."
"Alice..." Allune says with a hint of annoyance in her voice. "First of all, no. Second of all, I need to stay up here and watch for ambushes."
"Between you, Suarrure, and Sylvia, I don't think we need to worry. Please?" Alice implores her with an encouraging smile. "I'd really enjoy your company. A chance to talk with you on equal ground. Just for a few minutes." She releases Allune's ankle and gingerly starts to pull off her shoe.
Allune sighs, but offers no further protest. "Fine." She lets Alice take her shoes, rolls up her pants, and lands with an immediate grimace. "Ugh... So gross...! Don't ask me to do this again. And you owe me for this. At the very least I expect you to warn me before you go wandering off half-naked from now on."
"Oh? So you can join me?" Alice teases her.
Allune refuses to give her the satisfaction. "Yes, exactly. Watching you's my burden, after all..."
Alice offers Allune her shoes back. "Thank you for humoring me," she says with a soft smile. "So? Did you find your answer?"
Allune snatches them back and hops into the air. "Yes. That was disgusting and I don't understand how you can 'enjoy' walking around like that."
"But was the experience... meaningful?" Alice asks.
Allune puts her hands on her hips and looks away. "Well... Maybe. A little."
Sylvia/Sorina C
"So, uh... How's it going, Sylvia?" Sorina asks.
"Oh... Good, I guess," she answers uncomfortably. "Took some bad hits during that fight."
"I saw," Sorina says.
"Yeah... You looked like you took a few hits, too," Sylvia says. "A lot more than me."
"Yeah, but... I'm in heavy armor, after all."
"Yeah... Well, no need to be modest. You're pretty tough, too," Sylvia adds.
"Oh... Thanks. You're really... Good at magic," Sorina answers.
"Ah? Y-yeah, I... y'know. Learned from mom and dad." She lets out an uncomfortable laugh, then the pair fall silent. After a few painful moments, Sylvia continues. "Why does this feel really awkward?"
Sorina looks away for a moment. "You're just worried about your brother, aren't you? And your dad, too..."
"Y-yeah..." Sylvia says. Her pace slows a bit.
Sorina slaps her on the back. "Come on. I know I'm not the best for moral support, but... Stay strong. We gotta keep moving. They might need our help. But we'll make it."
"Um... Yeah. Thanks, Sorina." Sylvia gives a slightly reassured smile. "I'm going to take point for a bit." She trots forward a bit.
"Oh... Good, I guess," she answers uncomfortably. "Took some bad hits during that fight."
"I saw," Sorina says.
"Yeah... You looked like you took a few hits, too," Sylvia says. "A lot more than me."
"Yeah, but... I'm in heavy armor, after all."
"Yeah... Well, no need to be modest. You're pretty tough, too," Sylvia adds.
"Oh... Thanks. You're really... Good at magic," Sorina answers.
"Ah? Y-yeah, I... y'know. Learned from mom and dad." She lets out an uncomfortable laugh, then the pair fall silent. After a few painful moments, Sylvia continues. "Why does this feel really awkward?"
Sorina looks away for a moment. "You're just worried about your brother, aren't you? And your dad, too..."
"Y-yeah..." Sylvia says. Her pace slows a bit.
Sorina slaps her on the back. "Come on. I know I'm not the best for moral support, but... Stay strong. We gotta keep moving. They might need our help. But we'll make it."
"Um... Yeah. Thanks, Sorina." Sylvia gives a slightly reassured smile. "I'm going to take point for a bit." She trots forward a bit.
Sorina/Rhett C
"You're not very good at that," Rhett says from behind Sorina.
"Ack! Rhett...! When... Were you eavesdropping?" Sorina demands.
"No, I was just walking behind you," Rhett says. "You aren't in private. Everyone could hear you. Except maybe Carin. It's just that they're pretending they couldn't for some reason."
"O-oh..." Sorina mutters. "Right... Sorry."
"Why are you apologizing?"
"Be...cause that was probably really uncomfortable for everyone?" Sorina suggests.
"Why? You were just trying to help your friend...?" Rhett asks.
"I know, but... I'm not very good at that sort of thing. Not like Mom..." Sorina pauses and sighs.
"But you tried. And Sylvia appreciated it. See? she's smiling. Aunt Haley would say you did good, right?" Rhett suggests.
"I'm not sure that's why she's smiling," Sorina mutters.
"All you have to do is tell her hope she's OK, right? Let her know that you care about her? 'cause you do care about her. And so do I." Rhett says authoritatively.
"That's right, Rhett!" Syvlia calls back. "It really helps."
Rhett smiles at Sorina knowingly.
"Ack! Rhett...! When... Were you eavesdropping?" Sorina demands.
"No, I was just walking behind you," Rhett says. "You aren't in private. Everyone could hear you. Except maybe Carin. It's just that they're pretending they couldn't for some reason."
"O-oh..." Sorina mutters. "Right... Sorry."
"Why are you apologizing?"
"Be...cause that was probably really uncomfortable for everyone?" Sorina suggests.
"Why? You were just trying to help your friend...?" Rhett asks.
"I know, but... I'm not very good at that sort of thing. Not like Mom..." Sorina pauses and sighs.
"But you tried. And Sylvia appreciated it. See? she's smiling. Aunt Haley would say you did good, right?" Rhett suggests.
"I'm not sure that's why she's smiling," Sorina mutters.
"All you have to do is tell her hope she's OK, right? Let her know that you care about her? 'cause you do care about her. And so do I." Rhett says authoritatively.
"That's right, Rhett!" Syvlia calls back. "It really helps."
Rhett smiles at Sorina knowingly.
Allune/Rhett C
Rhett tilts his head and observes Allune a minutes. "Huh. You're walking. You don't do that very often."
"Yes. I know." Allune tries to hide the annoyance in her voice.
"Why not?" Rhett asks.
"Because... Well, I'm not sure how to explain it, since you can't fly."
"I can fly. I fly a lot at home. But I need a pegasus," Rhett protests.
"Um... Well, that's true enough. OK, think of it this way. I think the ground's a bit dirty. And I don't like getting my pants dirty." Allune asks.
"You must have to wash them a lot," Rhett points out.
"Yes," Allune says.
Rhett frowns, then remembers what he meant to talk about. "Oh, hey, I was talking to Sylvia earlier about things. Does it bother you when people say you can see like a hawk?"
"Huh? Why would that bother me...?" She scratches her head. "I mean, I guess I understand why some laguz would get offended. But I do have really good sight. And it's a compliment... But I guess some laguz wouldn't take it that way."
"Because they don't like being compared to animals?"
"Yes, exactly." Allune gives him an appreciative smile.
Rhett smiles back at her. "I really like when you walk, by the way. It's nice. It feels easier to talk to you like this. You can be kind of intimidating." He wanders off without another word.
"Intimidating...?" Allune asks as Rhett walks away.
"Yes. I know." Allune tries to hide the annoyance in her voice.
"Why not?" Rhett asks.
"Because... Well, I'm not sure how to explain it, since you can't fly."
"I can fly. I fly a lot at home. But I need a pegasus," Rhett protests.
"Um... Well, that's true enough. OK, think of it this way. I think the ground's a bit dirty. And I don't like getting my pants dirty." Allune asks.
"You must have to wash them a lot," Rhett points out.
"Yes," Allune says.
Rhett frowns, then remembers what he meant to talk about. "Oh, hey, I was talking to Sylvia earlier about things. Does it bother you when people say you can see like a hawk?"
"Huh? Why would that bother me...?" She scratches her head. "I mean, I guess I understand why some laguz would get offended. But I do have really good sight. And it's a compliment... But I guess some laguz wouldn't take it that way."
"Because they don't like being compared to animals?"
"Yes, exactly." Allune gives him an appreciative smile.
Rhett smiles back at her. "I really like when you walk, by the way. It's nice. It feels easier to talk to you like this. You can be kind of intimidating." He wanders off without another word.
"Intimidating...?" Allune asks as Rhett walks away.
Suarrure/Carin C
After a few minutes, Suarrure starts to relax a bit. It doesn't seem like there's an ambush waiting. The enemy didn't seem to expect the anyone to survive their attack - or at least didn't expect them to come back. And, best of all, those crows don't seem to be following them. Looks like that Forest Guardian lady took care of them after all. He stolls confidently over to Carin, who's walking alongside her horse to let her rest. "Well, hello there, Cutie."
"Cutie? Hehe..." Carin giggles. "That's really nice of you to say. Um... Suarrure, wasn't it?"
Suarrure gives a wide grin and lets his tail wag excitedly. "I'm glad you remembered! And may I say, your pronounciation is excellent. A lot of people really struggle to pick it up."
"Oh? I... um... Thanks."
"So, how's the hip?" Suarrure asks.
"Hip? Oh...!" Carin frowns a bit. "Well, it doesn't hurt anymore."
"I'm glad to hear it. But are you sure you don't want me to take a look, just to be safe...?" Suarrure asks.
"That's a very kind offer, but there's no need to worry. Alice did a great job. But... I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were a healer, too."
"Oh... W-well, I'm... not." Suarrure looks away.
"Oh." Carin's glares at him.
"B-but I can still be concerned, right? Right?"
"I... suppose, yes," she says, her expression softening a bit.
"Hey, I just had an idea," Suarrure says. "Maybe you could give me a few lessons? About... y'know. Healing. And anatomy."
"I don't... know..." Carin says softly.
"Aw, c'mon. I'm sure you'd be a great teacher! And I'm sure you're way more knowledgeable than me. Just teach me a few basic things. Just in case? Please?"
"W-well... OK. But... I'll need you to find someone to act as a volunteer."
"Cutie? Hehe..." Carin giggles. "That's really nice of you to say. Um... Suarrure, wasn't it?"
Suarrure gives a wide grin and lets his tail wag excitedly. "I'm glad you remembered! And may I say, your pronounciation is excellent. A lot of people really struggle to pick it up."
"Oh? I... um... Thanks."
"So, how's the hip?" Suarrure asks.
"Hip? Oh...!" Carin frowns a bit. "Well, it doesn't hurt anymore."
"I'm glad to hear it. But are you sure you don't want me to take a look, just to be safe...?" Suarrure asks.
"That's a very kind offer, but there's no need to worry. Alice did a great job. But... I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were a healer, too."
"Oh... W-well, I'm... not." Suarrure looks away.
"Oh." Carin's glares at him.
"B-but I can still be concerned, right? Right?"
"I... suppose, yes," she says, her expression softening a bit.
"Hey, I just had an idea," Suarrure says. "Maybe you could give me a few lessons? About... y'know. Healing. And anatomy."
"I don't... know..." Carin says softly.
"Aw, c'mon. I'm sure you'd be a great teacher! And I'm sure you're way more knowledgeable than me. Just teach me a few basic things. Just in case? Please?"
"W-well... OK. But... I'll need you to find someone to act as a volunteer."
Chapter 3
Carin/Rhett C
Nevyn/Judoc C, Nevyn/Rhett C
Eun'ji/Kurt C
Hyun'ji/Mina C
Eun'ji/Mina C
Alice/Sylvia B
Fei/Rand B
Nevyn/Rand B
Rand/Mina B
Alice/Rand C
Lily/Storm B
Lily/Hawke B
Storm/Rakim C
Shep/Isana C
Zenia/Isana C
Lily/Gale B
Keith/Kelly C
Lily/Keith C
Lily/Gin C
Zenia/Gin C
Hawke/Zenia C
Shep/Zenia C
Rhett watches the ocean silently for a few moments. "You don't say much," he notes.
Carin, waiting from the sand line, calls back. "My horse doesn't care for sand, and it's a bit awkward to yell into a conversation..."
"Oh. Well, I'm already awkward. So I guess people wouldn't have noticed so much. But if yelling bothers you, I can come stand next to you."
Carin dismounts and walks over to Rhett's side. "No, that's fine. Truth be told, I just... didn't care to join in that conversation."
"Oh."
Carin and Rhett fall into a hard silence. "You... aren't going to ask why?" she finally asks.
"No. If you wanted to tell me, you would tell me," Rhett reasons. He nods to affirm his statement.
"Oh... Yes, I suppose I would..." Carin says quietly. Another few awkward minutes pass. "My mother and father were... I'm a... bastard," she finally blurts out. She looks down sadly. "I'm a bastard," she repeats softly.
"Oh. OK. So why did you not want to join that conversation?"
Carin blinks. "I... just don't like talking about my parents."
"But you're doing it now?"
Carin scowls. "You just don't get it..."
"...I really don't. You'll have to explain it to me."
"Nevermind. We need to stay focused."
"Oh." Rhett nods, then goes back to staring out at the ocean.
Carin, waiting from the sand line, calls back. "My horse doesn't care for sand, and it's a bit awkward to yell into a conversation..."
"Oh. Well, I'm already awkward. So I guess people wouldn't have noticed so much. But if yelling bothers you, I can come stand next to you."
Carin dismounts and walks over to Rhett's side. "No, that's fine. Truth be told, I just... didn't care to join in that conversation."
"Oh."
Carin and Rhett fall into a hard silence. "You... aren't going to ask why?" she finally asks.
"No. If you wanted to tell me, you would tell me," Rhett reasons. He nods to affirm his statement.
"Oh... Yes, I suppose I would..." Carin says quietly. Another few awkward minutes pass. "My mother and father were... I'm a... bastard," she finally blurts out. She looks down sadly. "I'm a bastard," she repeats softly.
"Oh. OK. So why did you not want to join that conversation?"
Carin blinks. "I... just don't like talking about my parents."
"But you're doing it now?"
Carin scowls. "You just don't get it..."
"...I really don't. You'll have to explain it to me."
"Nevermind. We need to stay focused."
"Oh." Rhett nods, then goes back to staring out at the ocean.
Nevyn/Judoc C, Nevyn/Rhett C
Rhett, Nevyn, Carin, and Judoc are assigned to combing the beach in search of any potential survivors - or corpses that could become Risen - that came from Hyun'ji's ship. "I don't see anything..." Judoc says after a few minutes of staring out into the ocean.
"Are your eyes OK?" Rhett asks. "There's lots to see. Like sand. Or water. That bird over there."
"He didn't mean it literally," Nevyn said. "He doesn't see anything related to the task at hand."
"Oh. Yeah. That makes sense," Rhett says. "So what now?"
"It could take quite some time for the current to bring anything in," Nevyn says. "I'm not very familiar with this region's currents, so we must be vigilant..."
"I wouldn't expect it to take more than an hour," Judoc says. Nevyn looks at him questioningly. "My father and I've fished in the area a few times before," he explains.
"Ah. Right. You come from a line of fishermen..." Nevyn nods.
"Huh. That means he knows all about fish and the ocean?" Rhett asks. "My dad raises horses and cows and pegasi. And his dad raised stuff like that. But I don't know anywhere near as much as him. Was I supposed to inherit all that knowledge?"
"Somewhat," Nevyn says. "I know I don't know half of what my father knows about commanding, nor a fraction of what my mother knows of the world and the gods. They've still much to teach me. And I intend to learn as much as possible."
"That sounds like a really good idea," Rhett says enthusiastically.
"Indeed," Judoc agrees with a soft chuckle. "Though I worry I may have exhausted my father's knowledge."
"Don't disrespect your parents so," Nevyn admonishes him. "I'm sure he's got much to teach, if you but open your ears and listen."
"Really doubt it," Judoc mutters softly. Nevyn flips his ears to remind Judoc he can clearly hear him. Judoc turns back to the water. "Anyway, we'd probably see anything human-sized by now. Still probably want to give it a few minutes, just in case. And if I remember right, the current pulls a bit to the south, so I'm going to go check that way..." Judoc walks off before being acknowledged.
Nevyn looks after him, then decides it's best to let it go for now. "I'll check to the north. Rhett, you stay here. Yell if you notice anything."
"That bird flew off."
"Anything related to the task at hand," Nevyn clarifies. He shifts into a wolf and begins trotting in the opposite direction.
"Are your eyes OK?" Rhett asks. "There's lots to see. Like sand. Or water. That bird over there."
"He didn't mean it literally," Nevyn said. "He doesn't see anything related to the task at hand."
"Oh. Yeah. That makes sense," Rhett says. "So what now?"
"It could take quite some time for the current to bring anything in," Nevyn says. "I'm not very familiar with this region's currents, so we must be vigilant..."
"I wouldn't expect it to take more than an hour," Judoc says. Nevyn looks at him questioningly. "My father and I've fished in the area a few times before," he explains.
"Ah. Right. You come from a line of fishermen..." Nevyn nods.
"Huh. That means he knows all about fish and the ocean?" Rhett asks. "My dad raises horses and cows and pegasi. And his dad raised stuff like that. But I don't know anywhere near as much as him. Was I supposed to inherit all that knowledge?"
"Somewhat," Nevyn says. "I know I don't know half of what my father knows about commanding, nor a fraction of what my mother knows of the world and the gods. They've still much to teach me. And I intend to learn as much as possible."
"That sounds like a really good idea," Rhett says enthusiastically.
"Indeed," Judoc agrees with a soft chuckle. "Though I worry I may have exhausted my father's knowledge."
"Don't disrespect your parents so," Nevyn admonishes him. "I'm sure he's got much to teach, if you but open your ears and listen."
"Really doubt it," Judoc mutters softly. Nevyn flips his ears to remind Judoc he can clearly hear him. Judoc turns back to the water. "Anyway, we'd probably see anything human-sized by now. Still probably want to give it a few minutes, just in case. And if I remember right, the current pulls a bit to the south, so I'm going to go check that way..." Judoc walks off before being acknowledged.
Nevyn looks after him, then decides it's best to let it go for now. "I'll check to the north. Rhett, you stay here. Yell if you notice anything."
"That bird flew off."
"Anything related to the task at hand," Nevyn clarifies. He shifts into a wolf and begins trotting in the opposite direction.
Eun'ji/Kurt C
Kurt pulls Eun'ji aside. "Hey. If you don't mind, I want to take another look at those wounds," he tells her. Eun'ji looks a bit uncomfortable. Kurt rolls his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, shame and whatever. But I'm going to be blunt with you - I really didn't expect you to survive earlier, not with those wounds. How you're standing right now is beyond me. If you've torn open those wounds and we don't deal with it immediately, I guarantee that you're going to die."
Eun'ji fidgets hesitantly. Hyun'ji gives her a worried look, and she finally relents. "Very well. If you must."
Kurt gives a curt nod and leads her inside. He starts closing the door behind them, then pauses. "Would you feel more comfortable with more than just me?"
Hyun'ji's eyes widen. "N-no, I'm fine."
Kurt shrugs. "Whatever's most comfortable for you," he says and closes the door. He pulls out a chair and motions to it. "Alright, let's get this over with. You don't need to strip or anything, just pull down past your shoulders."
Eun'ji does as Kurt asked, pointedly avoiding his gaze. Kurt walks around the chair, examining her from several angles. "Well...?" she asks.
Kurt taps one of her bandages. "Here. This one needs to be changed. I don't think you broke it open, though, so I'll send Mina in to do it. You're probably going to pull through, but I want Carin to give you a full once-over later, for a second opinion."
"...Thank you," Eun'ji says quietly, pulling her dress shut again.
"How'd you get in such bad shape, anyway?"
"I defended my master," she says simply. "As is my-"
"Duty, right? Yeah. If I had a gold piece for every good man I've seen die doing their duty, I wouldn't be able to walk for the weight," Kurt says.
Eun'ji glares at him. "It would be an honor to die for my master."
"I'm sure it would," Kurt sighs. "It'd still be a shame, though. Seems like all the best are in a rush to kill themselves for some cause. Well, so long as it makes you happy, I guess." Kurt gives a flippant shrug and walks out.
Eun'ji fidgets hesitantly. Hyun'ji gives her a worried look, and she finally relents. "Very well. If you must."
Kurt gives a curt nod and leads her inside. He starts closing the door behind them, then pauses. "Would you feel more comfortable with more than just me?"
Hyun'ji's eyes widen. "N-no, I'm fine."
Kurt shrugs. "Whatever's most comfortable for you," he says and closes the door. He pulls out a chair and motions to it. "Alright, let's get this over with. You don't need to strip or anything, just pull down past your shoulders."
Eun'ji does as Kurt asked, pointedly avoiding his gaze. Kurt walks around the chair, examining her from several angles. "Well...?" she asks.
Kurt taps one of her bandages. "Here. This one needs to be changed. I don't think you broke it open, though, so I'll send Mina in to do it. You're probably going to pull through, but I want Carin to give you a full once-over later, for a second opinion."
"...Thank you," Eun'ji says quietly, pulling her dress shut again.
"How'd you get in such bad shape, anyway?"
"I defended my master," she says simply. "As is my-"
"Duty, right? Yeah. If I had a gold piece for every good man I've seen die doing their duty, I wouldn't be able to walk for the weight," Kurt says.
Eun'ji glares at him. "It would be an honor to die for my master."
"I'm sure it would," Kurt sighs. "It'd still be a shame, though. Seems like all the best are in a rush to kill themselves for some cause. Well, so long as it makes you happy, I guess." Kurt gives a flippant shrug and walks out.
Hyun'ji/Mina C
Hyun'ji stares nervously at the door. Mina reaches out, then pulls her hand back. She takes a breath, then places a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure she's going to be fine, milord. Kurt's a bit... blunt, be he's one of the most talented healers in Valeria. He can do more with a needle, thread, and bandages than some of the most talented clerics can with the most powerful staves."
"I... believe you," Hyun'ji says. "But I still can't help but feel worried. If something happened to Eun'ji..."
"She means that much to you?" Mina asks.
"I care for all of my bodyguards, my servants. But she's... the only one left," he says.
"I... I'm sorry, milord. If we'd been faster..."
"There's nothing you could have done. The only one I bear animosity towards is the traitor who destroyed our ship, and those that aided him."
"I'm... still sorry. Er, you have my sympathies," Mina says softly.
"Thank you." Hyun'ji quietly turns to her. "You... are Prince Rand's chief bodyguard, correct?"
"W-well, I wouldn't say 'chief,' but I am a member of the royal guard. Trainee. Erm. I mean, I am officially considered a member, but..."
"You care for him deeply. That much is obvious, and that is what matters most," Hyun'ji says.
Mina blushes deeply. She's cut off by the sound of the door opening as Kurt steps out. "Hey, Mina. Eun'ji needs a bandaged changed. And she'd probably prefer if you did it. ...Something wrong?"
"Oh... No, nothing. I'll do it."
"I... believe you," Hyun'ji says. "But I still can't help but feel worried. If something happened to Eun'ji..."
"She means that much to you?" Mina asks.
"I care for all of my bodyguards, my servants. But she's... the only one left," he says.
"I... I'm sorry, milord. If we'd been faster..."
"There's nothing you could have done. The only one I bear animosity towards is the traitor who destroyed our ship, and those that aided him."
"I'm... still sorry. Er, you have my sympathies," Mina says softly.
"Thank you." Hyun'ji quietly turns to her. "You... are Prince Rand's chief bodyguard, correct?"
"W-well, I wouldn't say 'chief,' but I am a member of the royal guard. Trainee. Erm. I mean, I am officially considered a member, but..."
"You care for him deeply. That much is obvious, and that is what matters most," Hyun'ji says.
Mina blushes deeply. She's cut off by the sound of the door opening as Kurt steps out. "Hey, Mina. Eun'ji needs a bandaged changed. And she'd probably prefer if you did it. ...Something wrong?"
"Oh... No, nothing. I'll do it."
Eun'ji/Mina C
Mina steps past him and inside. She finds all the supplies already set out. "Hello," she says a bit awkwardly. "Are you... feeling better?"
"I'm fine," Eun'ji says.
"Are you... sure?" Mina asks. "You can tell me."
"...It hurts," Eun'ji admits. "But I must push through it. I'm the only one left who can protect my master."
"That's... Remember, we're here to act as escorts, so you don't have to bear it all yourself," Mina says as she pulls off Eun'ji's soiled bandages.
"I know, and please don't take this as a sign of mistrust, bu- Gah...! Nnngh..." Eun'ji whimers.
Mina steps back in surprise. "Everything OK?" Kurt shouts from outside.
"Yes," Eun'ji calls back. "P-please, continue..." she gasps.
Mina nods. "Don't... worry. I understand the sentiment. Still... You can't protect him if you're dead. You... um... n-need to try your hardest to protect yourself, as well."
"I... see. Yes, you're right. I must apologize to my master for worrying him..."
"I'm fine," Eun'ji says.
"Are you... sure?" Mina asks. "You can tell me."
"...It hurts," Eun'ji admits. "But I must push through it. I'm the only one left who can protect my master."
"That's... Remember, we're here to act as escorts, so you don't have to bear it all yourself," Mina says as she pulls off Eun'ji's soiled bandages.
"I know, and please don't take this as a sign of mistrust, bu- Gah...! Nnngh..." Eun'ji whimers.
Mina steps back in surprise. "Everything OK?" Kurt shouts from outside.
"Yes," Eun'ji calls back. "P-please, continue..." she gasps.
Mina nods. "Don't... worry. I understand the sentiment. Still... You can't protect him if you're dead. You... um... n-need to try your hardest to protect yourself, as well."
"I... see. Yes, you're right. I must apologize to my master for worrying him..."
Alice/Sylvia B
Alice, Sylvia, Quinn, and Sorina were assigned the rough duty of safely disposing of the corpses. While Quinn and Sorina drag over a few more, Alice and Sylvia prepare a pyre.
Sylvia sighs sadly. "Such a shame..." she says. "Is there no way we could have saved this village?"
"Perhaps, had we known," Alice says. "Or perhaps not. Perhaps we would have simply been another pair of corpses in this pile..."
"Alice, that's..."
"Horrible," Alice says sadly. She nods as she continues. "Truly, horrible... As the truth often is. But is to avert your eyes from it is worse?"
"I... That's... Where is this coming from, Alice?"
Alice shrugs. "I would like to hear what you think, though. Should we force ourselves to see hard truths?"
Sylvia sighs. "I... don't know, Alice. I suppose... I would rather know the truth."
"And do you think we should we force ourselves to experience hardships? To see all life has to offer?"
"I don't know about that, Alice. Your little... masochism thing's a bit far for my tastes."
"Maso...chism...?" Alice asks. "I don't... W-would you really say I'm a... masochist?"
Sylvia coughs. "So, um... your new outfit's really cute...!"
Sylvia sighs sadly. "Such a shame..." she says. "Is there no way we could have saved this village?"
"Perhaps, had we known," Alice says. "Or perhaps not. Perhaps we would have simply been another pair of corpses in this pile..."
"Alice, that's..."
"Horrible," Alice says sadly. She nods as she continues. "Truly, horrible... As the truth often is. But is to avert your eyes from it is worse?"
"I... That's... Where is this coming from, Alice?"
Alice shrugs. "I would like to hear what you think, though. Should we force ourselves to see hard truths?"
Sylvia sighs. "I... don't know, Alice. I suppose... I would rather know the truth."
"And do you think we should we force ourselves to experience hardships? To see all life has to offer?"
"I don't know about that, Alice. Your little... masochism thing's a bit far for my tastes."
"Maso...chism...?" Alice asks. "I don't... W-would you really say I'm a... masochist?"
Sylvia coughs. "So, um... your new outfit's really cute...!"
Fei/Rand B
Rand's busy fussing over Fei.
"You're pretty badly torn up again..." he says, pointing to the various fresh wounds across her midriff.
"Yeah... Yeah. It happens. A lot," she says. She yawns. "Pretty sure it's not good for me, but I get by."
"No, it's... definitely not good for you," Rand says. "Sooner or later you'll take a hit that you won't be able to shrug off."
"Probably," Fei says with a yawn. She lies down on her back and nods a bit. "Yeah... probably..."
"Hey. Don't go to sleep," Rand says. "We need to be ready in case the others need help."
"But I'm so sleepy..." she says, trying to sound as cute as possible. She rubs her eyes.
Rand stands over her and looks down disapprovingly. "Fei..." he says. His tone is clearly annoyed. "I know I'm neither your commander nor your prince, but Nevyn left you under my direction. This is a direct order. Get up."
Fei looks up at him guiltily. "I'm... sorry, milord." She props herself up and starts struggling to rise. "I'm just... a bit lightheaded. I think I may have actually lost a bit... too much blood. But you're right."
It's Rand's turn to look guilty. He sighs, then folds his arms. "I... suppose you can lie down, at least. But don't fall asleep."
"Are you sure, milord? I-"
"No, you've... earned a bit of a rest. Just... don't tell Nevyn."
"Thank you... so much... milord..." Fei sighs. She's already asleep before she finishes speaking.
"You're pretty badly torn up again..." he says, pointing to the various fresh wounds across her midriff.
"Yeah... Yeah. It happens. A lot," she says. She yawns. "Pretty sure it's not good for me, but I get by."
"No, it's... definitely not good for you," Rand says. "Sooner or later you'll take a hit that you won't be able to shrug off."
"Probably," Fei says with a yawn. She lies down on her back and nods a bit. "Yeah... probably..."
"Hey. Don't go to sleep," Rand says. "We need to be ready in case the others need help."
"But I'm so sleepy..." she says, trying to sound as cute as possible. She rubs her eyes.
Rand stands over her and looks down disapprovingly. "Fei..." he says. His tone is clearly annoyed. "I know I'm neither your commander nor your prince, but Nevyn left you under my direction. This is a direct order. Get up."
Fei looks up at him guiltily. "I'm... sorry, milord." She props herself up and starts struggling to rise. "I'm just... a bit lightheaded. I think I may have actually lost a bit... too much blood. But you're right."
It's Rand's turn to look guilty. He sighs, then folds his arms. "I... suppose you can lie down, at least. But don't fall asleep."
"Are you sure, milord? I-"
"No, you've... earned a bit of a rest. Just... don't tell Nevyn."
"Thank you... so much... milord..." Fei sighs. She's already asleep before she finishes speaking.
Nevyn/Rand B
"Nothing. We're still going to wait a bit longer, just in case," Nevyn explains.
Rand nods. "Good idea. We can trade off, though, let you take a rest."
"No, no. This isn't so taxing. I'm sure... Alice, was it? I'm sure her group, at least, needs to rest."
"Fair enough," Rand says. "I'll keep watch with you for a bit," Rand says.
"I appreciate the company. Things got a bit awkward with the others..."
"Oh? Sorry... Well, it's something that happens to everyone. You may be their commander, but they're still people. Sometimes you may annoy or upset them."
"Yes, but still... It is my duty to built rapport with them, to keep their morale in check."
"True, that's a part of being a commander. And one of the harder parts. It's not really something that can be taught too easily."
Nevyn sighs. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm cut out to be a commander. Father could always inspire loyalty. I don't have Mother's ability to calm people..."
"Maybe... not yet," Rand says. "But you'll learn. If you really want to be a great commander, I believe it's in your reach."
"That's... very kind of you to say, Prince."
Rand nods. "Just don't give up. That's the one thing a commander must never do."
Rand nods. "Good idea. We can trade off, though, let you take a rest."
"No, no. This isn't so taxing. I'm sure... Alice, was it? I'm sure her group, at least, needs to rest."
"Fair enough," Rand says. "I'll keep watch with you for a bit," Rand says.
"I appreciate the company. Things got a bit awkward with the others..."
"Oh? Sorry... Well, it's something that happens to everyone. You may be their commander, but they're still people. Sometimes you may annoy or upset them."
"Yes, but still... It is my duty to built rapport with them, to keep their morale in check."
"True, that's a part of being a commander. And one of the harder parts. It's not really something that can be taught too easily."
Nevyn sighs. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm cut out to be a commander. Father could always inspire loyalty. I don't have Mother's ability to calm people..."
"Maybe... not yet," Rand says. "But you'll learn. If you really want to be a great commander, I believe it's in your reach."
"That's... very kind of you to say, Prince."
Rand nods. "Just don't give up. That's the one thing a commander must never do."
Rand/Mina B
"Are you OK, Mina?" Rand asks.
"Of course, Pri- er, Rand."
"Good. I was a bit worried when you got split off by that cavalier... Please don't worry me like that again.
"Oh..." Mina says. A hint of sadness is in her voice. "I'm sorry..."
Rand scratches his head. "Though, uh, you did... pretty well. I thought for sure you would... But, no, you didn't panic, and you fought your way back to use. It feels like... the old you would've... erm..."
"Old me?" Mina's frown quickly turns into a wide smile. "So, you did notice!"
"Oh, yeah, of course! It'd be... pretty hard to miss."
"Haha...! ...Well? And?"
"Huh? Er... It's... really... impressive?"
"Impressive?" Mina pouts playfully. "Hmph. If a girl's fishing for compliments, you can do better than that."
"Hey, I mean, it looks about as good on you as can be expected?" Rand laughs. "It's armor, not a dress."
"So you like me better in a dress...?" Mina teases.
"Hm? Well, not on the battlefield..." Rand says. "Fighting in a dress would be ridiculous."
"Your mom fights in a dress."
"That's... Er, well, that's... um... yeah." Rand laughs. "Thanks, Mina. I... needed a good laugh."
"Anytime, Rand. Like you said, even if I can't fight, I can help you in other ways."
"Of course, Pri- er, Rand."
"Good. I was a bit worried when you got split off by that cavalier... Please don't worry me like that again.
"Oh..." Mina says. A hint of sadness is in her voice. "I'm sorry..."
Rand scratches his head. "Though, uh, you did... pretty well. I thought for sure you would... But, no, you didn't panic, and you fought your way back to use. It feels like... the old you would've... erm..."
"Old me?" Mina's frown quickly turns into a wide smile. "So, you did notice!"
"Oh, yeah, of course! It'd be... pretty hard to miss."
"Haha...! ...Well? And?"
"Huh? Er... It's... really... impressive?"
"Impressive?" Mina pouts playfully. "Hmph. If a girl's fishing for compliments, you can do better than that."
"Hey, I mean, it looks about as good on you as can be expected?" Rand laughs. "It's armor, not a dress."
"So you like me better in a dress...?" Mina teases.
"Hm? Well, not on the battlefield..." Rand says. "Fighting in a dress would be ridiculous."
"Your mom fights in a dress."
"That's... Er, well, that's... um... yeah." Rand laughs. "Thanks, Mina. I... needed a good laugh."
"Anytime, Rand. Like you said, even if I can't fight, I can help you in other ways."
Alice/Rand C
He seeks out the one who came to his aid earlier, and finds Alice by the ocean. She's sitting in the sand, struggling with her new shoes. "Stupid... How does Allune stand these accursed things?" It seems like she's been fighting with them for a while now.
"Erm... Alice?" Rand calls out.
"Oh! Ah... Prince Rand. Have you been there long?"
"Not really... I, er... So, not used to the new outfit? You... were wearing something else when you arrived, right? How did you...?"
"Ah... Well, it's... a rather rare occurance, that someone can change their abilities without the use of a seal or similar artifact. Which... changed my dress, too. I don't... dislike the new outfit. It breathes very well, lets me feel the wind on my back... But these blasted high-heeled monstrosities. I liked my sandals..." Alice finally gets them off and tosses them a short distance. She lets out a sigh of relief.
"For what it's worth, you look very... erm... it's... uh... Good. I like your outfit."
"You're very kind to say so, milord," Alice says. She starts doing something else, but Rand's not quite sure what.
"I... have to ask. The last time we saw each other, we were... 8? 9?"
"Thereabouts, milord."
"How did you know we needed help? And why would you..."
Alice stops fidgeting and looks to Rand. "The spirits told me I needed to come west... so I followed them. And I believe they want me to follow you back to Trine, as well. So I'll be with you for a while... if it pleases milord."
"Of course! But... spirits...?" Rand asks.
Alice ignores the question and goes back to examining her dress. "We're not leaving for another hour or two, right, milord?"
"Hm? Oh. Right. Um... What are you doing?"
"I want to feel the sand between my toes," Alice explains. "And this dress is all one piece, so... And after that, I plan to go for a swim. Would you care to join me, milord?"
Rand freezes. "Um. N-no, that's... er... I, uh... You're not... really going to...!?"
"I haven't ever got to swim in the ocean, so I'm definitely not going to pass up on this opportunity," she says. She pauses undressing. "Unless milord forbids it?"
"That's... well... I, uh... I'm sure you could find a bathing suit in the village somewhere..."
"That's not necessary. And I want to feel the water on my skin. Are you sure you won't join me, milord?"
"I... should go," Rand spits out.
"Erm... Alice?" Rand calls out.
"Oh! Ah... Prince Rand. Have you been there long?"
"Not really... I, er... So, not used to the new outfit? You... were wearing something else when you arrived, right? How did you...?"
"Ah... Well, it's... a rather rare occurance, that someone can change their abilities without the use of a seal or similar artifact. Which... changed my dress, too. I don't... dislike the new outfit. It breathes very well, lets me feel the wind on my back... But these blasted high-heeled monstrosities. I liked my sandals..." Alice finally gets them off and tosses them a short distance. She lets out a sigh of relief.
"For what it's worth, you look very... erm... it's... uh... Good. I like your outfit."
"You're very kind to say so, milord," Alice says. She starts doing something else, but Rand's not quite sure what.
"I... have to ask. The last time we saw each other, we were... 8? 9?"
"Thereabouts, milord."
"How did you know we needed help? And why would you..."
Alice stops fidgeting and looks to Rand. "The spirits told me I needed to come west... so I followed them. And I believe they want me to follow you back to Trine, as well. So I'll be with you for a while... if it pleases milord."
"Of course! But... spirits...?" Rand asks.
Alice ignores the question and goes back to examining her dress. "We're not leaving for another hour or two, right, milord?"
"Hm? Oh. Right. Um... What are you doing?"
"I want to feel the sand between my toes," Alice explains. "And this dress is all one piece, so... And after that, I plan to go for a swim. Would you care to join me, milord?"
Rand freezes. "Um. N-no, that's... er... I, uh... You're not... really going to...!?"
"I haven't ever got to swim in the ocean, so I'm definitely not going to pass up on this opportunity," she says. She pauses undressing. "Unless milord forbids it?"
"That's... well... I, uh... I'm sure you could find a bathing suit in the village somewhere..."
"That's not necessary. And I want to feel the water on my skin. Are you sure you won't join me, milord?"
"I... should go," Rand spits out.
Lily/Storm B
Lily heads outside and finds Hawke and Storm flying laps around the outside of the fort. She waves for them, and the pair come gliding down. She addresses Storm first. "Are you well, Sir Storm?"
"I'm... holding together, Princess."
Lily nods. "I understand. A raid on a village, a sacked fort. It's been a busy day..."
"How are you staying so calm?" he asks. There's an accusatory edge to his voice, as if he really means to ask how she's being so cold.
Lily looks at the ground. She lets out a ragged sigh. "I'm... not," she admits.
"What? But you're so composed?"
Lily hugs herself gently. "Of course I'm... not holding together so well. These are my people... My responsibility. But... that's why..." She shudders. "It won't help anyone for me to sit around crying. This isn't the time for me to show weakness. I... have to..." She shakes her head and regains her composure. "Right now, my duty is to the survivors. They need guidance, direction. Assurance things will be alright. I have to be - I have to appear to be strong. Even if I'm faking it."
"I... never would have guessed, Lily..." Storm says.
"Excellent. Then my training has paid off," she says. "Return to your patrol, if you would. I'd like to speak with Hawke."
"Um... Right. Sorry if I... uh... Sorry." Storm kicks his pegasus into the air.
"I'm... holding together, Princess."
Lily nods. "I understand. A raid on a village, a sacked fort. It's been a busy day..."
"How are you staying so calm?" he asks. There's an accusatory edge to his voice, as if he really means to ask how she's being so cold.
Lily looks at the ground. She lets out a ragged sigh. "I'm... not," she admits.
"What? But you're so composed?"
Lily hugs herself gently. "Of course I'm... not holding together so well. These are my people... My responsibility. But... that's why..." She shudders. "It won't help anyone for me to sit around crying. This isn't the time for me to show weakness. I... have to..." She shakes her head and regains her composure. "Right now, my duty is to the survivors. They need guidance, direction. Assurance things will be alright. I have to be - I have to appear to be strong. Even if I'm faking it."
"I... never would have guessed, Lily..." Storm says.
"Excellent. Then my training has paid off," she says. "Return to your patrol, if you would. I'd like to speak with Hawke."
"Um... Right. Sorry if I... uh... Sorry." Storm kicks his pegasus into the air.
Lily/Hawke B
Hawke is quick to step forward. "Yes, Princess?"
"Are you OK? That wound was... grisly," Lily says.
Hawke flexes a bit. "I'm... I feel surprisingly well, actually. That elixir stuff is... amazing. Are you sure it was OK to use it on me? I feel like we should be saving stuff like that for..."
Lily chuckles. "Keeping my bodyguard alive seems like a pretty good use of it."
"Your faith in me's... appreciated, Princess. Especially considering this morning."
"Hm? Because you used to be a mercenary?"
"Yeah. Er... Yes, Princess."
"Cut the 'Princess' crap when we're speaking in private. And I already told you - you aren't like that sorta scum. Right?" Lily stares him down.
Hawke shakes his head. "No, ma'am. I did my best to keep my nose clean during my merc days. Any job that set my hair on end, I was out."
"You probably lost out on some serious pay."
"Yeah, can't argue with that. But I always had enough money to eat - or at least somewhere to hunt. Way I see it, guilt's an awful... uh... app... apper... appart..."
"Appartif," Lily completes the phrase for him. "Glad to hear it. And good to see your decorum lessons are taking. Slowly but surely." Lily nods her head approvingly. "If you're sure you're doing OK, return to your patrols. And don't worry about me, the fort's secure."
Hawke nods and chases after Storm.
"Are you OK? That wound was... grisly," Lily says.
Hawke flexes a bit. "I'm... I feel surprisingly well, actually. That elixir stuff is... amazing. Are you sure it was OK to use it on me? I feel like we should be saving stuff like that for..."
Lily chuckles. "Keeping my bodyguard alive seems like a pretty good use of it."
"Your faith in me's... appreciated, Princess. Especially considering this morning."
"Hm? Because you used to be a mercenary?"
"Yeah. Er... Yes, Princess."
"Cut the 'Princess' crap when we're speaking in private. And I already told you - you aren't like that sorta scum. Right?" Lily stares him down.
Hawke shakes his head. "No, ma'am. I did my best to keep my nose clean during my merc days. Any job that set my hair on end, I was out."
"You probably lost out on some serious pay."
"Yeah, can't argue with that. But I always had enough money to eat - or at least somewhere to hunt. Way I see it, guilt's an awful... uh... app... apper... appart..."
"Appartif," Lily completes the phrase for him. "Glad to hear it. And good to see your decorum lessons are taking. Slowly but surely." Lily nods her head approvingly. "If you're sure you're doing OK, return to your patrols. And don't worry about me, the fort's secure."
Hawke nods and chases after Storm.
Storm/Rakim C
After that, it's off to Trine. Janice stays close to Rakim throughout the process. Storm lands and trots alongside them for a short while.
"Everything OK?" Storm asks.
Janice nods. Rakim doesn't answer.
"I was asking both of you," Storm clarifies.
Rakim seems surprised. "Ah, my apologies. Yes, I am well."
Storm is in turn surprised by Rakim's surprise. "Let me know if there's anything I can do, alright? You, uh... Sorry, no offense - you just don't strike me as the type to be good with kids."
"I would agree," Rakim says. "Janice seems to have decided otherwise, however, and nothing I say convinces her otherwise."
"Actions speak louder than words..." Storm says, almost without thought. He rushes to clarify. "She knows you protected her before, so..."
"...I... see... This could become a problem..." Rakim says.
"We should be fine until we get to the next village, and we'll find somewhere safe for her to stay once we get there." Storm says. "In the meantime, do what you can for her."
Rakim nods. Storm waits to see if he's got more to say, then realizes the conversation's over and returns to the air.
"Everything OK?" Storm asks.
Janice nods. Rakim doesn't answer.
"I was asking both of you," Storm clarifies.
Rakim seems surprised. "Ah, my apologies. Yes, I am well."
Storm is in turn surprised by Rakim's surprise. "Let me know if there's anything I can do, alright? You, uh... Sorry, no offense - you just don't strike me as the type to be good with kids."
"I would agree," Rakim says. "Janice seems to have decided otherwise, however, and nothing I say convinces her otherwise."
"Actions speak louder than words..." Storm says, almost without thought. He rushes to clarify. "She knows you protected her before, so..."
"...I... see... This could become a problem..." Rakim says.
"We should be fine until we get to the next village, and we'll find somewhere safe for her to stay once we get there." Storm says. "In the meantime, do what you can for her."
Rakim nods. Storm waits to see if he's got more to say, then realizes the conversation's over and returns to the air.
Shep/Isana C
Zenia dismisses Isana. She goes to examine the barracks and finds Shep almost immediately, finishing tending to Kelly's burns. He tucks her into one of the beds and turns to Isana. "Ah, just who I was about to go looking for."
"Oh?" Isana asks.
"I like to re-examine my work after battles. Battlefield healing and proper healing... how to explain? You have to take shortcuts in the heat of battle, it's good to go back and double-check afterward to make sure everything's healing right."
"'Shortcuts,' hm? You make it sound so very... mundane." Isana slinks over to his side, then takes a seat on a bed as Shep motions to it. "I do appreciate the simplified answer, of course. And I do like a man who's... thorough. Be gentle, please, I'm quite fragile."
"Mm," Shep says. "Ah, lift your arm? And rotate. Good... Now, cough for me."
"Excuse me?"
"Most people would've died from those injuries. I want to make sure your lung wasn't punctured. I don't think it was, because you're still alive - that's not a thing I could fix, on or off the field. I'm still not very experienced," Shep admits.
"I can't decide if this honesty is refreshing or horrifying..."
Shep remains emotionless. "Ah, I missed a cut on your leg. Sorry, let me fix that. Oh, and if I don't fix up that cut right here, it's going to scar. And this one under your arm - could cost you some mobility it I don't tend it."
"...You really are quite thorough..." Isana says as he pokes around, occasionally stopping to wave his staff over an injury.
Shep finishes, nods, and lets a smile come to his face. "Alright, then. Into bed with you. You lost a lot of blood, so I want you to lie down for a bit. I'll bring you some water and food in a moment..."
Isana looks surprised for a moment, then obediently smiles and crawls under the covers. "Haha... It feels so strange to be the one being attended to... I could get used to it."
"Oh?" Isana asks.
"I like to re-examine my work after battles. Battlefield healing and proper healing... how to explain? You have to take shortcuts in the heat of battle, it's good to go back and double-check afterward to make sure everything's healing right."
"'Shortcuts,' hm? You make it sound so very... mundane." Isana slinks over to his side, then takes a seat on a bed as Shep motions to it. "I do appreciate the simplified answer, of course. And I do like a man who's... thorough. Be gentle, please, I'm quite fragile."
"Mm," Shep says. "Ah, lift your arm? And rotate. Good... Now, cough for me."
"Excuse me?"
"Most people would've died from those injuries. I want to make sure your lung wasn't punctured. I don't think it was, because you're still alive - that's not a thing I could fix, on or off the field. I'm still not very experienced," Shep admits.
"I can't decide if this honesty is refreshing or horrifying..."
Shep remains emotionless. "Ah, I missed a cut on your leg. Sorry, let me fix that. Oh, and if I don't fix up that cut right here, it's going to scar. And this one under your arm - could cost you some mobility it I don't tend it."
"...You really are quite thorough..." Isana says as he pokes around, occasionally stopping to wave his staff over an injury.
Shep finishes, nods, and lets a smile come to his face. "Alright, then. Into bed with you. You lost a lot of blood, so I want you to lie down for a bit. I'll bring you some water and food in a moment..."
Isana looks surprised for a moment, then obediently smiles and crawls under the covers. "Haha... It feels so strange to be the one being attended to... I could get used to it."
Zenia/Isana C
That night, Isana creeps silently into Zenia's tent. Zenia has her sword at her throat in a flash. "Good evening, Mistress," Isana says calmly.
"One of these days I'll run you through," Zenia sighs. "I keep telling you to announce yourself. Did you dispose of the missive?"
"Of course, Mistress."
"Then you've no reason to be here."
"I've come for my punishment?" Isana asks.
"Ah, yes, of course. Ever-dutiful Isana. Hmph... I forgot to prepare anything And I am in a good mood..." Zenia looks around for a moment. "Ah. Go stand in the corner. Take these. Arms up. Higher. I'm sure you can guess what will happen if you drop them, yes?"
"Of course, Mistress," Isana says, holding Zenia's weapons at her sides. "You've decided to try using a shield? That's rather unlike you."
"Mm. I suppose I simply wish to try being a more balanced fighter. Enough about that, I want news of the Khan's court."
Isana closes her eyes and smiles. "Oh, Mistress, I am but a simple courtesan. One such as myself is entire unqualified to-"
Zenia sighs heavily. "Can we skip the usual song and dance? You know I value your judgement."
Isana shifts uncomfortably. "This missive... Honestly, I'm not sure what to make of this, Mistress. All I can say for sure is that something is wrong. There are rumblings against the Great Khan..."
"Nothing unusual about that," Zenia points out.
Isana frowns. "I wonder..."
The pair spend several moments discussing the movements of a few individuals within the court. It goes on until Isana's arms are shaking with effort. "Enough," Zenia finally says. "You may go. I am pleased with your work, as usual."
"One of these days I'll run you through," Zenia sighs. "I keep telling you to announce yourself. Did you dispose of the missive?"
"Of course, Mistress."
"Then you've no reason to be here."
"I've come for my punishment?" Isana asks.
"Ah, yes, of course. Ever-dutiful Isana. Hmph... I forgot to prepare anything And I am in a good mood..." Zenia looks around for a moment. "Ah. Go stand in the corner. Take these. Arms up. Higher. I'm sure you can guess what will happen if you drop them, yes?"
"Of course, Mistress," Isana says, holding Zenia's weapons at her sides. "You've decided to try using a shield? That's rather unlike you."
"Mm. I suppose I simply wish to try being a more balanced fighter. Enough about that, I want news of the Khan's court."
Isana closes her eyes and smiles. "Oh, Mistress, I am but a simple courtesan. One such as myself is entire unqualified to-"
Zenia sighs heavily. "Can we skip the usual song and dance? You know I value your judgement."
Isana shifts uncomfortably. "This missive... Honestly, I'm not sure what to make of this, Mistress. All I can say for sure is that something is wrong. There are rumblings against the Great Khan..."
"Nothing unusual about that," Zenia points out.
Isana frowns. "I wonder..."
The pair spend several moments discussing the movements of a few individuals within the court. It goes on until Isana's arms are shaking with effort. "Enough," Zenia finally says. "You may go. I am pleased with your work, as usual."
Lily/Gale B
Early the next morning, Lily and Gale run into each other in the forest. "Hey, Lily. What's up?" Gale asks.
"Ha-ha," Lily answers sarcastically.
"Huh. I've... gotta admit. This is a really nice trap," Gale says. "I had no idea you knew how to make something like this. I thought you were all book-learning and court manners."
"Yes, well, Mom made sure we got a lot of survival training," Lily explains.
"So, er... I take it this is that swift and terrible vengeance you promised?" Gale asks. Lily nods in affirmation. "I... see. But, uh... it just seems like I should be the one strung up?"
"Oh, you make a good point. I'll take that under advisement for next time," Lily responds. "How about you help me down, I can reset the trap, and we can try your idea?"
"Not. A. Chance. I really admire your optimism, Lily, but you know exactly what's about to happen." Gale advances on her hapless victim with a sadistic grin. She reaches up, sliding her hands under Lily's blouse and and positioning her fingertips along Lily's flank. "Ready?" Gale asks. Lily bites her lip and shakes her head. "Y'know, I guess I could let you off the hook," Gale says. She pointedly drums her fingers against Lily's flank as she pretends to think, continuing until Lily begins giggling. "I-i-i-i-if you admit the reason you and Rand teamed up on me is because you know you can't beat me in a fair fight!"
"Not. A. Chance," Lily echoes. "You can just... do your worst!"
"Oh?" Gale slides a hand down Lily's thigh, along her calve, finally seizing her ankle. She pokes teasingly at Lily's exposed toes. "This is going to be fun~"
"N... Heehee! Not... Not there...!" Lily begs. She squirms in protest as she's stripped of her boot. Gale gives her a look, one final chance to back down. Lily hesitates. "I... I said do your worst!"
Gale smiles. She begins with a single fingertip. Slowly, gently, she traces the contours of her victim's foot. She carefully watches Lily's face for the smallest changes, probing to find her greatest weaknesses. Lily struggles, but is firmly in Gale's grasp, unable to do more than wiggle her toes as Gale explores. She squirms, defenseless and helpless against her tormentor. Gale's experiments gradually increase in cruelty and intensity as she discovers where Lily is most vulnerable. Lily can only writhe and squeal with laughter as Gale repeatedly rakes her claws along the length of her sole, mercilessly targeting her most ticklish points. Eventually, Gale slows to a stop. "Well? Ready to admit defeat? Or should I stop holding back...?"
Lily takes several seconds to recover, her breathing slowly becoming more regular. "N-nev- aaaahaha...!" she tries to answer defiantly before Gale silences her.
"Oh, now that's a cute face you're making." Gale says. She continues to tickle Lily lightly, just enough to keep her from speaking. "How about a compromise, then? Let's have that duel. Best two of three rounds. Winner gets unlimited tickling privileges! Since you're so-o-o-o-o confident you wouldn't lose a fair fight-"
"I... Haha...! I accept!" Lily blurts out. Gale pauses. "I... am going... to destroy you...! N-now... get me down from here...!"
"Hm? That wasn't part of our deal! We can duel whenever, but a chance like this is once-in-a-lifetime!" Gale sings, reaching for Lily's other boot.
"Ha-ha," Lily answers sarcastically.
"Huh. I've... gotta admit. This is a really nice trap," Gale says. "I had no idea you knew how to make something like this. I thought you were all book-learning and court manners."
"Yes, well, Mom made sure we got a lot of survival training," Lily explains.
"So, er... I take it this is that swift and terrible vengeance you promised?" Gale asks. Lily nods in affirmation. "I... see. But, uh... it just seems like I should be the one strung up?"
"Oh, you make a good point. I'll take that under advisement for next time," Lily responds. "How about you help me down, I can reset the trap, and we can try your idea?"
"Not. A. Chance. I really admire your optimism, Lily, but you know exactly what's about to happen." Gale advances on her hapless victim with a sadistic grin. She reaches up, sliding her hands under Lily's blouse and and positioning her fingertips along Lily's flank. "Ready?" Gale asks. Lily bites her lip and shakes her head. "Y'know, I guess I could let you off the hook," Gale says. She pointedly drums her fingers against Lily's flank as she pretends to think, continuing until Lily begins giggling. "I-i-i-i-if you admit the reason you and Rand teamed up on me is because you know you can't beat me in a fair fight!"
"Not. A. Chance," Lily echoes. "You can just... do your worst!"
"Oh?" Gale slides a hand down Lily's thigh, along her calve, finally seizing her ankle. She pokes teasingly at Lily's exposed toes. "This is going to be fun~"
"N... Heehee! Not... Not there...!" Lily begs. She squirms in protest as she's stripped of her boot. Gale gives her a look, one final chance to back down. Lily hesitates. "I... I said do your worst!"
Gale smiles. She begins with a single fingertip. Slowly, gently, she traces the contours of her victim's foot. She carefully watches Lily's face for the smallest changes, probing to find her greatest weaknesses. Lily struggles, but is firmly in Gale's grasp, unable to do more than wiggle her toes as Gale explores. She squirms, defenseless and helpless against her tormentor. Gale's experiments gradually increase in cruelty and intensity as she discovers where Lily is most vulnerable. Lily can only writhe and squeal with laughter as Gale repeatedly rakes her claws along the length of her sole, mercilessly targeting her most ticklish points. Eventually, Gale slows to a stop. "Well? Ready to admit defeat? Or should I stop holding back...?"
Lily takes several seconds to recover, her breathing slowly becoming more regular. "N-nev- aaaahaha...!" she tries to answer defiantly before Gale silences her.
"Oh, now that's a cute face you're making." Gale says. She continues to tickle Lily lightly, just enough to keep her from speaking. "How about a compromise, then? Let's have that duel. Best two of three rounds. Winner gets unlimited tickling privileges! Since you're so-o-o-o-o confident you wouldn't lose a fair fight-"
"I... Haha...! I accept!" Lily blurts out. Gale pauses. "I... am going... to destroy you...! N-now... get me down from here...!"
"Hm? That wasn't part of our deal! We can duel whenever, but a chance like this is once-in-a-lifetime!" Gale sings, reaching for Lily's other boot.
Keith/Kelly C
Kelly is sharpening her new sword when Keith approaches her. "What do you want?" she asks, continuing her work.
"Oh, nothing in particular," Keith admits.
"Then... why did you approach me like you had something to say?"
"I... I just thought it might be nice to chat a bit. We're both cavaliers, after all!"
Kelly pauses sharpening. "...And?"
"So... we can probably learn from each other? Maybe share tactics or something?" Keith suggests. "I'm supposed to be training with Carcinan forces to learn how you all fight, and vice-versa."
"I suppose we can train together sometimes," Kelly says. "Is that all?"
"I'm also supposed to promote goodwill between our countries..." Keith adds.
"O...kay...?" Kelly says. "I'm not sure what you're implying."
"I was just thinking that... maybe when we aren't training, we can...Ah, nevermind. I'll speak with you later."
"Oh, nothing in particular," Keith admits.
"Then... why did you approach me like you had something to say?"
"I... I just thought it might be nice to chat a bit. We're both cavaliers, after all!"
Kelly pauses sharpening. "...And?"
"So... we can probably learn from each other? Maybe share tactics or something?" Keith suggests. "I'm supposed to be training with Carcinan forces to learn how you all fight, and vice-versa."
"I suppose we can train together sometimes," Kelly says. "Is that all?"
"I'm also supposed to promote goodwill between our countries..." Keith adds.
"O...kay...?" Kelly says. "I'm not sure what you're implying."
"I was just thinking that... maybe when we aren't training, we can...Ah, nevermind. I'll speak with you later."
Lily/Keith C
"Hail, Princes Lily!" Keith greets her. "I never got a chance to properly thank you for coming to my aid. Had I tried to attack that fort on my own..."
Lily shakes her head. "No, I should be praising you for returning to try to retake our fort. And also chastising you for doing something so foolish."
Keith winces. "I... can't dispute that, Princess..."
"I know you felt it was your duty, but throwing your life away for-"
"Yes, I... understand. I just... felt guilty for fleeing earlier. Like I abandoned them."
Lily observes him quietly. "You said you were wounded and forced to retreat? That is the truth, correct?"
Keith looks shocked. "Of course!"
"I believe you, then. Perhaps you could have kept fighting. Or perhaps you would have juts been a liability. Looking at the number of enemies, it wouldn't have made a difference, regardless. Just wasted another life. You made the right decision to retreat. I'm sure my troops would have been glad to know they at least managed to save one of their own. You wouldn't deny them that final happiness by throwing your life away, would you?"
"Ah... Ah. Of... course not, Princess..." Keith says. "...Thank you."
Lily nods. "If you'll excuse me."
Lily shakes her head. "No, I should be praising you for returning to try to retake our fort. And also chastising you for doing something so foolish."
Keith winces. "I... can't dispute that, Princess..."
"I know you felt it was your duty, but throwing your life away for-"
"Yes, I... understand. I just... felt guilty for fleeing earlier. Like I abandoned them."
Lily observes him quietly. "You said you were wounded and forced to retreat? That is the truth, correct?"
Keith looks shocked. "Of course!"
"I believe you, then. Perhaps you could have kept fighting. Or perhaps you would have juts been a liability. Looking at the number of enemies, it wouldn't have made a difference, regardless. Just wasted another life. You made the right decision to retreat. I'm sure my troops would have been glad to know they at least managed to save one of their own. You wouldn't deny them that final happiness by throwing your life away, would you?"
"Ah... Ah. Of... course not, Princess..." Keith says. "...Thank you."
Lily nods. "If you'll excuse me."
Lily/Gin C
She doesn't make it far before running into Gin.
"Princess... Um..." Gin pauses and clears his throat. "I saw you speaking with Keith and realized I... never thanked you for coming to our rescue. So, uh... Thanks. I wouldn't have made it without you. And Isana, too..."
"Of course. I'm just glad we were able to make it in time to rescue anyone," Lily says. She waits, but Gin continues to stand there. "Is there... something else?"
"...They attacked the town we were supposed to defend..." Gin says. "How... bad was it?"
Lily is silent for a moment. "Most of Mala was burned. More than half the population was killed."
Gin closes his eyes for a moment. "...Why did all of this happen?"
"...I can't say for sure. My theory... They attacked your fort to keep you busy. They sent mercenaries to the town to kill Zenia. They wanted to disrupt the negotiations." Lily folds her arms over her chest. "...It... could have been organized by the Valmese hoping to gain a better position. Or... someone may have wanted to push us towards war with Regna Ferox." She sighs. "Or maybe something completely beyond my imagination. With the return of the Risen... Dammit. This all feels familiar. Father may have a better idea."
"I'm... sorry for asking," Gin says. "Are... you... Are you OK, Princess?"
"Hm? Oh... Yes. Yes, of course," Lily says, quickly changing her persona. "There's nothing for you to worry about."
"With... all due respect... It feels like it is something to worry about..." Gin says. "I mean... we soldiers are the ones that will be stuck dealing with... Er... s-sorry."
Lily considers Gin for a moment. "Fair enough. I suppose I can be a bit more open with you, if you're sure that's what you want."
"N-no, I... Um... OK. Your highness." Gin says awkwardly.
Lily smiles softly. "Was there anything else?"
"Er... N-no, thank you. Um... And thank you. Again."
Lily nods again, returning to her duties.
"Princess... Um..." Gin pauses and clears his throat. "I saw you speaking with Keith and realized I... never thanked you for coming to our rescue. So, uh... Thanks. I wouldn't have made it without you. And Isana, too..."
"Of course. I'm just glad we were able to make it in time to rescue anyone," Lily says. She waits, but Gin continues to stand there. "Is there... something else?"
"...They attacked the town we were supposed to defend..." Gin says. "How... bad was it?"
Lily is silent for a moment. "Most of Mala was burned. More than half the population was killed."
Gin closes his eyes for a moment. "...Why did all of this happen?"
"...I can't say for sure. My theory... They attacked your fort to keep you busy. They sent mercenaries to the town to kill Zenia. They wanted to disrupt the negotiations." Lily folds her arms over her chest. "...It... could have been organized by the Valmese hoping to gain a better position. Or... someone may have wanted to push us towards war with Regna Ferox." She sighs. "Or maybe something completely beyond my imagination. With the return of the Risen... Dammit. This all feels familiar. Father may have a better idea."
"I'm... sorry for asking," Gin says. "Are... you... Are you OK, Princess?"
"Hm? Oh... Yes. Yes, of course," Lily says, quickly changing her persona. "There's nothing for you to worry about."
"With... all due respect... It feels like it is something to worry about..." Gin says. "I mean... we soldiers are the ones that will be stuck dealing with... Er... s-sorry."
Lily considers Gin for a moment. "Fair enough. I suppose I can be a bit more open with you, if you're sure that's what you want."
"N-no, I... Um... OK. Your highness." Gin says awkwardly.
Lily smiles softly. "Was there anything else?"
"Er... N-no, thank you. Um... And thank you. Again."
Lily nods again, returning to her duties.
Zenia/Gin C
A snorting laugh from the corner draws Gin's attention. Zenia leans against a wall, sneering at him.
"...You're... Representative Zenia, right?" Gin asks. She nods. "Is... something funny?"
"I've heard your princess is rather nice, so long as you don't give her cause not to be. Strange you seem to fear her so," Zenia says.
"Huh? I'm not... scared of the princess. I just... don't know how to speak with someone like her... Y'know, a princess."
Zenia tilts her head and smirks. "You strike me as a bit of a coward," she says.
"...Maybe..." Gin admits. "Perhaps you could... er..."
"Yes?"
"...Do you think you could teach me to be a bit more... confident? Like you?"
Zenia considers him silently for a moment. "Confidence... is a thing that can be learned, yes, but not simply taught."
"...I see..." Gin says. "You don't mind if I... observe you, at least?"
"Ha! Watch all you like."
"...You're... Representative Zenia, right?" Gin asks. She nods. "Is... something funny?"
"I've heard your princess is rather nice, so long as you don't give her cause not to be. Strange you seem to fear her so," Zenia says.
"Huh? I'm not... scared of the princess. I just... don't know how to speak with someone like her... Y'know, a princess."
Zenia tilts her head and smirks. "You strike me as a bit of a coward," she says.
"...Maybe..." Gin admits. "Perhaps you could... er..."
"Yes?"
"...Do you think you could teach me to be a bit more... confident? Like you?"
Zenia considers him silently for a moment. "Confidence... is a thing that can be learned, yes, but not simply taught."
"...I see..." Gin says. "You don't mind if I... observe you, at least?"
"Ha! Watch all you like."
Hawke/Zenia C
Zenia corners Hawke before they leave. "You, the royal guard. I wish to speak with you for a few moments."
"...Me?" Hawke asks.
"Yes. If you want to know about someone, it is often best to ask their bodyguard."
"I don't have much to say," Hawke says. "I'm not paid to talk about the princess' personal life. Rather, I'm paid to not talk about it."
"The royal guard represents the royal family. Are you refusing a direct request from a foreign dignitary?"
Hawke is quiet for a moment. "...Princess Lily is usually nice enough, I suppose. She has a short temper. She works pretty hard, takes her position seriously. She can be a bit morbid, though she'd say she's just being realistic. It can be pretty hard to tell how she really feels sometimes, she's very good at... that thing nobles do."
"Interesting. Yes, these are the impressions I got. Is she courting anyone?"
"Not to my knowledge, despite having several suitors recently."
"And she accepts a mercenary like you as a royal guard? Without hesitation"
Hawke simply nods. "Is there anything else?"
"How did she earn the respect you seem to have for her?"
Hawke is taken aback. "Huh? I... hm. I... can't think of any specific reasons. I wasn't sure how to feel about her at first, but... I guess it's because she just never seemed to have any qualms about me."
"That's all it takes for a person to earn your respect, huh?" Zenia folds her arms and thinks for a moment. "I see. That is all, you may go."
Hawke departs without a word.
"...Me?" Hawke asks.
"Yes. If you want to know about someone, it is often best to ask their bodyguard."
"I don't have much to say," Hawke says. "I'm not paid to talk about the princess' personal life. Rather, I'm paid to not talk about it."
"The royal guard represents the royal family. Are you refusing a direct request from a foreign dignitary?"
Hawke is quiet for a moment. "...Princess Lily is usually nice enough, I suppose. She has a short temper. She works pretty hard, takes her position seriously. She can be a bit morbid, though she'd say she's just being realistic. It can be pretty hard to tell how she really feels sometimes, she's very good at... that thing nobles do."
"Interesting. Yes, these are the impressions I got. Is she courting anyone?"
"Not to my knowledge, despite having several suitors recently."
"And she accepts a mercenary like you as a royal guard? Without hesitation"
Hawke simply nods. "Is there anything else?"
"How did she earn the respect you seem to have for her?"
Hawke is taken aback. "Huh? I... hm. I... can't think of any specific reasons. I wasn't sure how to feel about her at first, but... I guess it's because she just never seemed to have any qualms about me."
"That's all it takes for a person to earn your respect, huh?" Zenia folds her arms and thinks for a moment. "I see. That is all, you may go."
Hawke departs without a word.
Shep/Zenia C
Zenia feels a tap on her shoulder and whirls around with fire in her eyes. She looks down to see Shep. "Ah, the healer. The one who bashed me in the head. I have been meaning to speak with you, actually. I want you to understand that while I will allow you to treat my wounds on the battlefield, you are not to touch me at any other time. I have removed men's hands for less."
Shep rolls his eyes. "Yes, yes, you're very scary."
Zenia snarls. "And I have gouged men's eyes for less."
"I don't doubt it. But you appreciate usefulness, correct?" Shep asks.
"...I value strength, physical or otherwise" Zenia answers.
"As long as I'm the best healer around, you'll allow me a bit of leeway so far as manners are concerned, correct?"
Zenia hesitates for a moment. "Some small amount, I suppose. But do not test my patience. Speaking of which, what is the meaning of this conversation?"
"I just wanted to make sure you were doing OK after that battle the other day. You seem fine to me."
"Yes, I am. I am not so foolishly prideful that I won't seek help if I'm injured."
Shep eyes her suspiciously. "I wonder. Well, that's all, Champion Zenia." He turns and walks away.
Zenia is left staring after him. "How infuriatingly confident," she says. "I expect we'll either become good friends, or I'll murder him. Heh heh... Perhaps both."
Shep rolls his eyes. "Yes, yes, you're very scary."
Zenia snarls. "And I have gouged men's eyes for less."
"I don't doubt it. But you appreciate usefulness, correct?" Shep asks.
"...I value strength, physical or otherwise" Zenia answers.
"As long as I'm the best healer around, you'll allow me a bit of leeway so far as manners are concerned, correct?"
Zenia hesitates for a moment. "Some small amount, I suppose. But do not test my patience. Speaking of which, what is the meaning of this conversation?"
"I just wanted to make sure you were doing OK after that battle the other day. You seem fine to me."
"Yes, I am. I am not so foolishly prideful that I won't seek help if I'm injured."
Shep eyes her suspiciously. "I wonder. Well, that's all, Champion Zenia." He turns and walks away.
Zenia is left staring after him. "How infuriatingly confident," she says. "I expect we'll either become good friends, or I'll murder him. Heh heh... Perhaps both."
Intermission
Kelly/Judoc C
Gale/Alice C
Lily/Alice C
Lily/Rand B
Hawke/Mina C
Storm/Allune C
Lily/Hyun'ji C
Zenia/Rand C
Zenia/Hyun'ji C
Zenia/Suarrure C
Zenia/Kurt C
Gale/Rand C
Gale/Suarrure C
Keith/Carin C
Gin/Kurt C
Isana/Alice C
Storm/Sorina C
Harv/Quinn C
Judoc walks up to greet the first person he sets eyes on. "Hi, I'm Judoc."
"Kelly," she answers.
"So you're... a Carcinan soldier? Knight? Mercenary?"
Kelly's eyes narrow at the last suggestion. "Tartarus town guard."
"I see. But... you've been traveling with the princess, huh?"
"Yes. Princess Lily's mission was short notice, so we had to use town guardsmen."
"Oh, that makes sense."
"Yep."
"So... uh... How long have you been a guard?"
"Five years."
"Wow, that's a long time. For someone as young as you are."
"Yep. I joined as soon as I was able."
"Oh? Some reason for that?"
"Yes."
"...Are you going to tell me?"
"No."
"Well... Alright, then. Great chat. If... you'll excuse me, I'm going to cut and run before this gets any more awkward," Judoc says, motioning to leave.
Kelly smiles. "I'd like that, thanks."
"Kelly," she answers.
"So you're... a Carcinan soldier? Knight? Mercenary?"
Kelly's eyes narrow at the last suggestion. "Tartarus town guard."
"I see. But... you've been traveling with the princess, huh?"
"Yes. Princess Lily's mission was short notice, so we had to use town guardsmen."
"Oh, that makes sense."
"Yep."
"So... uh... How long have you been a guard?"
"Five years."
"Wow, that's a long time. For someone as young as you are."
"Yep. I joined as soon as I was able."
"Oh? Some reason for that?"
"Yes."
"...Are you going to tell me?"
"No."
"Well... Alright, then. Great chat. If... you'll excuse me, I'm going to cut and run before this gets any more awkward," Judoc says, motioning to leave.
Kelly smiles. "I'd like that, thanks."
Gale/Alice C
This barracks is surprisingly nicely furnished for a military installation, Alice decides. It makes sense, after all. This is an important checkpoint between Carcina and Valeria. Dignitaries and ambassadors probably pass through all the time, the type that expect some level of decoration, so it's only natural it would have a garden. It's certainly not Sefa Forest, but she can feel the spirits of nature here. The air tastes sweeter, the sun feels warmer against her skin, and the soft kiss of grass and dirt underfoot replaces the unpleasant bite of stone paths. Alice sighs contentedly as she stretches out in the grass, running the blades between her fingers and digging her toes into the dirt. Valerian soil is so different - almost lifeless compared to the floor of the lush forest, yet rich with minerals - and so cool against her skin. She's enjoying reaching out, feeling for all the subtle differences, the new sensations...
Alice snaps to attention as she hears a whisper in the wind. She continues to lie on her back, eyes closed and motionless as she sharpens her other senses. She suddenly bolts up and turns towards the door. She opens her arms wide with a smile.
"Ali-i-i-i-ice!" Gale shouts as she barrels through the door, immediately spotting her prey and pouncing. She transforms in mid-air, then the pair go tumbling until Alice winds up sprawled out underneath the massive rabbit. "Didja miss me?"
Alice smiles up at her. "Of course, Gale."
Gale giggles and buries her face in Alice's neck, nuzzling her gently.
Alice lets out a soft laugh. "Haha... I didn't expect to see you again so soon."
"It's been too long!" Gale protests. "Besides, Rand's been busy and Lily... Well, Lily's fun to torment, but..."
Alice reaches up and scratches behind Gale's ears. "Aw, is my poor little Snuggle-Bunny not getting enough attention? Come lie with me for a bit and I'll fix that right up..." Gale flops off of Alice and rolls onto her side. Alice shifts to pet her and the pair spend a few moments enjoying a quiet moment. "So soft..."
Alice snaps to attention as she hears a whisper in the wind. She continues to lie on her back, eyes closed and motionless as she sharpens her other senses. She suddenly bolts up and turns towards the door. She opens her arms wide with a smile.
"Ali-i-i-i-ice!" Gale shouts as she barrels through the door, immediately spotting her prey and pouncing. She transforms in mid-air, then the pair go tumbling until Alice winds up sprawled out underneath the massive rabbit. "Didja miss me?"
Alice smiles up at her. "Of course, Gale."
Gale giggles and buries her face in Alice's neck, nuzzling her gently.
Alice lets out a soft laugh. "Haha... I didn't expect to see you again so soon."
"It's been too long!" Gale protests. "Besides, Rand's been busy and Lily... Well, Lily's fun to torment, but..."
Alice reaches up and scratches behind Gale's ears. "Aw, is my poor little Snuggle-Bunny not getting enough attention? Come lie with me for a bit and I'll fix that right up..." Gale flops off of Alice and rolls onto her side. Alice shifts to pet her and the pair spend a few moments enjoying a quiet moment. "So soft..."
Lily/Alice C
Lily steps out into the garden to clear her head for a few minutes and finds Gale stretched out on the ground, Alice reclining against her while reading a dark tome. Gale's ear twitches at the sound of Lily approaching, but Alice reaches back and rubs her head softly. Gale sighs and goes still.
"Hello, Princess," Alice says softly.
"...Alice? It's nice to see you," Lily says.
"It's been far too long," Alice agrees. "I wish it were under better circumstances."
Lily smiles. "Rand mentioned you came to his rescue. Thank you."
Alice shakes her head. "I just did as the spirits told me, Princess."
"There's no need to be so modest. I appreciate it, truly," Lily assures her. "And you know you can just call me Lily."
Alice smiles. "Alright, then. Lily. Do you have some time to chat? It's been so long since you've been able to visit the forest, I'd hate to pass up on this chance."
"I think I can spare a few minutes," Lily says. "I'd love to hear what's been going on in the village. And I'm rather curious - I don't recall you using dark magic?"
"Come take a seat, Gale doesn't mind." Alice slides over a bit. "Make yourself comfortable, stretch out..."
Lily hesitates as she sits down. She gives Gale a wary look. Gale chuckles softly. Lily grimaces and leans against her, then turns to Alice. "You must be the only person who can get Gale to hold still, much less behave..."
Alice laughs. "You're exaggerating. But I hear she's been tormenting you, so I'll give you in on a few tips. For one, she loves attention..."
"I'm right here," Gale reminds them.
"And you love the attention," Alice says. "Here, Lily... Next time she's bothering you, try stroking her cheek, right here..." The pair spend some time bonding over the impromptu anatomy lesson.
"Hello, Princess," Alice says softly.
"...Alice? It's nice to see you," Lily says.
"It's been far too long," Alice agrees. "I wish it were under better circumstances."
Lily smiles. "Rand mentioned you came to his rescue. Thank you."
Alice shakes her head. "I just did as the spirits told me, Princess."
"There's no need to be so modest. I appreciate it, truly," Lily assures her. "And you know you can just call me Lily."
Alice smiles. "Alright, then. Lily. Do you have some time to chat? It's been so long since you've been able to visit the forest, I'd hate to pass up on this chance."
"I think I can spare a few minutes," Lily says. "I'd love to hear what's been going on in the village. And I'm rather curious - I don't recall you using dark magic?"
"Come take a seat, Gale doesn't mind." Alice slides over a bit. "Make yourself comfortable, stretch out..."
Lily hesitates as she sits down. She gives Gale a wary look. Gale chuckles softly. Lily grimaces and leans against her, then turns to Alice. "You must be the only person who can get Gale to hold still, much less behave..."
Alice laughs. "You're exaggerating. But I hear she's been tormenting you, so I'll give you in on a few tips. For one, she loves attention..."
"I'm right here," Gale reminds them.
"And you love the attention," Alice says. "Here, Lily... Next time she's bothering you, try stroking her cheek, right here..." The pair spend some time bonding over the impromptu anatomy lesson.
Lily/Rand B
"I'm so glad to see you're well, Lily," Rand says as soon as they're in private. There's a dopey smile plastered across his face.
Lily smiles gently and sits down on a bed. "You as well, Rand. After we were attacked, I was so worried the same might happen to you."
Rand scratches the back of his head. "Well... You weren't wrong..."
Lily nods. "I know. From what I've heard you handled yourself well. I'm proud of you."
"I've heard you had it pretty rough," Rand says.
"Yeah. It was... bad. And Zenia's... a handful."
"I've noticed. Hyun'ji's a pretty good guy, at least." Rand takes a set next to Lily. "So... Have you been keeping your promise?"
"Ah... No tackling strange laguz, right? No worries there."
"You know I meant no taking stupid risks," Rand says with a frown.
Lily thinks back to nearly dying in the storeroom. "Well... I can't lie to you, I did get... pretty seriously injured..."
"Lily...!"
"It's not like-! I mean, I... Hawke was hurt even worse than I was, and we were surrounded, someone had to cover the rear..."
Rand sighs wearily. "...Are you OK?"
"...I'm still really sore..." Lily admits.
"No, I mean... Well, yes, that, but... Are you OK?" he asks again.
Lily's quiet for a moment. "I was... so, so scared. I nearly... I nearly died. And... it... hurt. A lot. A lot worse than I expected. But... I... I was also... so very, very... angry. I just... refused to die before they did. Ignored the... ignored the blood and kept fighting." She grasps the bedsheet until her knuckles turn white.
"...Are you...?"
"I'm... still scared. Something terrible's about to happen. I can feel it."
Rand wraps his arms around her. "Yeah. I... think so to. But it's going to be alright."
Lily returns the embrace silently. "No... It won't," she thinks to herself.
Lily smiles gently and sits down on a bed. "You as well, Rand. After we were attacked, I was so worried the same might happen to you."
Rand scratches the back of his head. "Well... You weren't wrong..."
Lily nods. "I know. From what I've heard you handled yourself well. I'm proud of you."
"I've heard you had it pretty rough," Rand says.
"Yeah. It was... bad. And Zenia's... a handful."
"I've noticed. Hyun'ji's a pretty good guy, at least." Rand takes a set next to Lily. "So... Have you been keeping your promise?"
"Ah... No tackling strange laguz, right? No worries there."
"You know I meant no taking stupid risks," Rand says with a frown.
Lily thinks back to nearly dying in the storeroom. "Well... I can't lie to you, I did get... pretty seriously injured..."
"Lily...!"
"It's not like-! I mean, I... Hawke was hurt even worse than I was, and we were surrounded, someone had to cover the rear..."
Rand sighs wearily. "...Are you OK?"
"...I'm still really sore..." Lily admits.
"No, I mean... Well, yes, that, but... Are you OK?" he asks again.
Lily's quiet for a moment. "I was... so, so scared. I nearly... I nearly died. And... it... hurt. A lot. A lot worse than I expected. But... I... I was also... so very, very... angry. I just... refused to die before they did. Ignored the... ignored the blood and kept fighting." She grasps the bedsheet until her knuckles turn white.
"...Are you...?"
"I'm... still scared. Something terrible's about to happen. I can feel it."
Rand wraps his arms around her. "Yeah. I... think so to. But it's going to be alright."
Lily returns the embrace silently. "No... It won't," she thinks to herself.
Hawke/Mina C
Hawke and Mina wait nearby while Lily and Rand talk. The pair stand in awkward silence for several minutes before Hawke finally breaks the silence. "I see you finally started wearing heavier armor," he says.
"Yes," Mina answers.
"Do you think you'll start riding a wyvern soon?" Hawke asks.
"I know I should, but... I've never been able to handle one properly..." Mina mutters.
"You're the only member of the guard that can't. I guess it's not technically a requirement, but..." Hawke shrugs.
"I know..." Mina pauses. "I bet you think I only got my position because of my parents, huh?"
Hawke shrugs again. "Dunno. Not my place to question the king's choices. If he wants you to be a royal guard, you're a royal guard."
"...You don't... think less of me?"
"You're weak. Not good at fighting. Can't fly a wyvern," Hawke rattles off. "But people like having you around. That's something. And something I can't do, so-"
Rand steps out of the room and interrupts their conversation.
"Yes," Mina answers.
"Do you think you'll start riding a wyvern soon?" Hawke asks.
"I know I should, but... I've never been able to handle one properly..." Mina mutters.
"You're the only member of the guard that can't. I guess it's not technically a requirement, but..." Hawke shrugs.
"I know..." Mina pauses. "I bet you think I only got my position because of my parents, huh?"
Hawke shrugs again. "Dunno. Not my place to question the king's choices. If he wants you to be a royal guard, you're a royal guard."
"...You don't... think less of me?"
"You're weak. Not good at fighting. Can't fly a wyvern," Hawke rattles off. "But people like having you around. That's something. And something I can't do, so-"
Rand steps out of the room and interrupts their conversation.
Storm/Allune C
Despite being back in familiar territory, Storm finds himself unable to sleep. He decides to head out for a late-night flight. As he flies along, a humanoid shadow appears silhouetted against the moon. He pauses in surprise before realizing it's the hawk laguz he'd seen in the barracks. He gives her a wave, and she dives down to his level.
"Hello... Allune, right?"
"Yes, that's correct. I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name?"
"Ah, right. I'm Storm."
"Storm? Oh... dear. I'm... sorry about your mother."
Storm bites his lip. "Thank you."
"Let me know if there's anything I can do to help."
Storm nods. "Um... If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing out here?"
"I'm looking for that pain-in-the-ass Alice. I'm supposed to be her bodyguard, but she constantly runs off... At least she was dressed this time... Half the time she doesn't even bother putting on clothes when she goes out... I swear, I took my eyes off her for one minute... She was behaving herself, just laying there cuddling her bunny... And suddenly she's gone. I swear, she can evade an entire town of laguz! She could be the world's greatest thief if she put her mind to it! Ugh... It's enough to make me want to tear my hair out!" Allune vents. She stops and chuckles awkwardly. "Sorry, I, uh... So! Why are you out?"
"I was just having trouble sleeping and thought a short flight might help clear my head..."
Allune nods. "I see. Not all beorc understand the joys of the sky." She actually smiles.
"Since I'm not doing anything, do you want me to help look for your friend?" Storm offers.
"'Friend' is a very strong word... But I would appreciate it."
"Hello... Allune, right?"
"Yes, that's correct. I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name?"
"Ah, right. I'm Storm."
"Storm? Oh... dear. I'm... sorry about your mother."
Storm bites his lip. "Thank you."
"Let me know if there's anything I can do to help."
Storm nods. "Um... If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing out here?"
"I'm looking for that pain-in-the-ass Alice. I'm supposed to be her bodyguard, but she constantly runs off... At least she was dressed this time... Half the time she doesn't even bother putting on clothes when she goes out... I swear, I took my eyes off her for one minute... She was behaving herself, just laying there cuddling her bunny... And suddenly she's gone. I swear, she can evade an entire town of laguz! She could be the world's greatest thief if she put her mind to it! Ugh... It's enough to make me want to tear my hair out!" Allune vents. She stops and chuckles awkwardly. "Sorry, I, uh... So! Why are you out?"
"I was just having trouble sleeping and thought a short flight might help clear my head..."
Allune nods. "I see. Not all beorc understand the joys of the sky." She actually smiles.
"Since I'm not doing anything, do you want me to help look for your friend?" Storm offers.
"'Friend' is a very strong word... But I would appreciate it."
Lily/Hyun'ji C
Rand and Lily decide to meet with Hyun'ji and Zenia in the room where negotiations are to take place and introduce each other.
Hyun'ji offers Lily a polite bow. "Greetings, Princess. It is an honor to meet you."
She returns the gesture. "A pleasure, ambassador. I hope you're recovering well?"
Hyun'ji frowns. "Ah. You know what happened, then?"
"Rand told me all that happened. My condolences for your losses."
"There's nothing that could have been done, but thank you for the sentiment."
"And your injuries?" Lily asks. "Valeria's well-known for its healers, so if you you need any attention, please don't hesitate to ask."
"I'm doing well," Hyun'ji assures her. "And Kurt already made sure to attend to my servant. But enough of the formalities. Tell me of yourself, Princess."
"Oh, no. I'm much more interested in hearing about yourself. I've heard quite a bit about Valmese culture, but I'd love to hear more about the Valmese court..."
Hyun'ji offers Lily a polite bow. "Greetings, Princess. It is an honor to meet you."
She returns the gesture. "A pleasure, ambassador. I hope you're recovering well?"
Hyun'ji frowns. "Ah. You know what happened, then?"
"Rand told me all that happened. My condolences for your losses."
"There's nothing that could have been done, but thank you for the sentiment."
"And your injuries?" Lily asks. "Valeria's well-known for its healers, so if you you need any attention, please don't hesitate to ask."
"I'm doing well," Hyun'ji assures her. "And Kurt already made sure to attend to my servant. But enough of the formalities. Tell me of yourself, Princess."
"Oh, no. I'm much more interested in hearing about yourself. I've heard quite a bit about Valmese culture, but I'd love to hear more about the Valmese court..."
Zenia/Rand C
Rand and Zenia observe the exchange from the far side of the room. Zenia folds her arms, leans against a wall, and watches impassively. Rand gradually begins to mimic her posture. Zenia glances in his direction and smirks. Rand notices what he's doing and returns a smile.
"So, you are the crown prince?" Zenia demands.
"That's right. And that makes you the Feroxi champion?"
Zenia nods. "You seem much more laid-back than your sister."
"Yes, Lily's always been a bit... busy," Rand admits. "She's very dedicated to her role."
"She's definitely the traditional noble type. You, on the other hand, seem much more... open."
"Thanks. I think?" Rand says.
"I don't usually care for Lily's type," Zenia says bluntly. "Your sister, at least, isn't afraid to show her true colors when you push her too hard. Though you certainly have to try to piss her off. She could stand to be a bit more earnest, like you."
"I'm don't think I like what you're implying," Rand responds with narrowed eyes. "I hope you understand I'm very protective of my sister."
"I'll keep that in mind," Zenia sneers.
"So, you are the crown prince?" Zenia demands.
"That's right. And that makes you the Feroxi champion?"
Zenia nods. "You seem much more laid-back than your sister."
"Yes, Lily's always been a bit... busy," Rand admits. "She's very dedicated to her role."
"She's definitely the traditional noble type. You, on the other hand, seem much more... open."
"Thanks. I think?" Rand says.
"I don't usually care for Lily's type," Zenia says bluntly. "Your sister, at least, isn't afraid to show her true colors when you push her too hard. Though you certainly have to try to piss her off. She could stand to be a bit more earnest, like you."
"I'm don't think I like what you're implying," Rand responds with narrowed eyes. "I hope you understand I'm very protective of my sister."
"I'll keep that in mind," Zenia sneers.
Zenia/Hyun'ji C
After Rand and Lily leave, Zenia glares daggers at Hyun'ji from across the room. Hyun'ji returns a blank expression. Eun'ji scowls back a bit, until Hyun'ji places a hand on her shoulder and asks her to step out for a moment. Zenia jerks her neck towards Harv. He figures it's a sign to leave.
When the two are truly alone, Hyun'ji gives Zenia a polite nod. "You are the Feroxi champion, correct? Zen'ya?"
"Zenia," she corrects.
"My apologies."
"And you would be the emperor's nephew, Hyun'ji."
"Yes, I am." Hyun'ji repeats the polite nod. "It is an honor to meet you."
"Yes, I know." Zenia gives an ominous smile.
Hyun'ji smiles brightly. "Tell me, Champion Zen'ya. What are Regna Ferox's goals at this negotiation?"
"We can discuss that at the negotiations tomorrow," Zenia says. "For now, there is something I wish to confirm. It would be... fortuitous if we didn't attend this summit. So... Did your country have anything to do with the attempt on my life?" Her hand drifts very overtly to her greatsword's hilt.
"Funny," Hyun'ji says. He casually places a hand on his own blade. "I was going to ask you exactly the same thing."
The two observe each other, silent and unmoving for what seems like hours. A soft tap comes from the window, and they both immediately whirl around, tearing their blades free and ready. A very confused robin stares at them for a moment, then flies off.
Hyun'ji and Zenia sheathe their blades in unison. Hyun'ji walks to the door. "Until tomorrow, Champion."
"Mm." Zenia grunts in agreement.
When the two are truly alone, Hyun'ji gives Zenia a polite nod. "You are the Feroxi champion, correct? Zen'ya?"
"Zenia," she corrects.
"My apologies."
"And you would be the emperor's nephew, Hyun'ji."
"Yes, I am." Hyun'ji repeats the polite nod. "It is an honor to meet you."
"Yes, I know." Zenia gives an ominous smile.
Hyun'ji smiles brightly. "Tell me, Champion Zen'ya. What are Regna Ferox's goals at this negotiation?"
"We can discuss that at the negotiations tomorrow," Zenia says. "For now, there is something I wish to confirm. It would be... fortuitous if we didn't attend this summit. So... Did your country have anything to do with the attempt on my life?" Her hand drifts very overtly to her greatsword's hilt.
"Funny," Hyun'ji says. He casually places a hand on his own blade. "I was going to ask you exactly the same thing."
The two observe each other, silent and unmoving for what seems like hours. A soft tap comes from the window, and they both immediately whirl around, tearing their blades free and ready. A very confused robin stares at them for a moment, then flies off.
Hyun'ji and Zenia sheathe their blades in unison. Hyun'ji walks to the door. "Until tomorrow, Champion."
"Mm." Zenia grunts in agreement.
Zenia/Suarrure C
Suarrure strolls confidently up to Zenia. "Well, hel-lo there," he says.
Zenia glares at him silently.
"That's a nice sword you got there."
Silence.
"Pret-ty big, huh? You must be really strong."
Silence.
"But I'm sure plenty of people tell you how strong you are, eh? When's the last time someone's pointed out how cute you are?"
Zenia's frown tightens.
"You don't talk much, do you? Well, that's fine. All the more time for me to sing your praises. Has anyone ever told you what a lovely shade of blonde your hair is?"
The glare intensifies.
"Oh, please, continue to glare at me like that. You've got such beautiful eyes, I could stare into them for hours."
Finally, Zenia speaks. "Your tongue seems very well-exercised. Perhaps I could find a use for you. As a lapdog."
"D-dog!?" Suarrure barks. "I'll have you know I'm a proud wolfskin and-"
"You are a dog, begging for scraps. Next time, do it properly: crawling on the ground with your tail between your legs."
Suarrure visibly snarls. "You... How dare..."
"How dare you address me with such familiarity!? And now you dare to bare your fangs at me!?" Zenia demands. "Know your place, Dog, and perhaps I'll deign to throw you a bone!"
For a moment it seems Suarrure is going to attack, then his demeanor suddenly shifts back to his usual charming self. He offers a smile and a small bow. "You're right. My apologies, Miss, that I was so forward. Perhaps we could start over and speak more later?"
Zenia nods. "Very well."
Zenia glares at him silently.
"That's a nice sword you got there."
Silence.
"Pret-ty big, huh? You must be really strong."
Silence.
"But I'm sure plenty of people tell you how strong you are, eh? When's the last time someone's pointed out how cute you are?"
Zenia's frown tightens.
"You don't talk much, do you? Well, that's fine. All the more time for me to sing your praises. Has anyone ever told you what a lovely shade of blonde your hair is?"
The glare intensifies.
"Oh, please, continue to glare at me like that. You've got such beautiful eyes, I could stare into them for hours."
Finally, Zenia speaks. "Your tongue seems very well-exercised. Perhaps I could find a use for you. As a lapdog."
"D-dog!?" Suarrure barks. "I'll have you know I'm a proud wolfskin and-"
"You are a dog, begging for scraps. Next time, do it properly: crawling on the ground with your tail between your legs."
Suarrure visibly snarls. "You... How dare..."
"How dare you address me with such familiarity!? And now you dare to bare your fangs at me!?" Zenia demands. "Know your place, Dog, and perhaps I'll deign to throw you a bone!"
For a moment it seems Suarrure is going to attack, then his demeanor suddenly shifts back to his usual charming self. He offers a smile and a small bow. "You're right. My apologies, Miss, that I was so forward. Perhaps we could start over and speak more later?"
Zenia nods. "Very well."
Zenia/Kurt C
Zenia pauses in front of the mess hall door. "You can come out and speak to me face-to-face," she calls out.
"That's not really my style," Kury answers from out of sight. "I like to know who I'm talking to before the first word."
"I should hope my reputation proceeds me," Zenia sneers.
"Yeah, well... rumors and stories are often exaggerated," Kurt says. "It would seem you're every bit as crude as they say. Perhaps the stories of your combat prowess are true, as well."
"Perhaps," Zenia answers. "Would you care for a demonstration?"
"Scary," Kurt teases. "But I don't intimidate so easily. You're nowhere near as stupid as some people seem to think. In fact, you're pretty clever, aren't you? The Great Khan wouldn't have sent someone he didn't trust."
"And?"
"And so you won't do anything to risk upsetting the negotiations and upsetting your master. So I'm calling your bluff."
"Ha... Hahaha!" Zenia cackles. "Fantastic. Always nice to see a man with a pair of balls."
"Heh. Thanks. I-" Kurt begins. Zenia's sword blade stabs through the wall a few inches beside him. He stares at it in stunned silence.
Zenia wrenches her sword free and stares through the gaping hole. "But don't forget, Kurt, that you don't know what the future may hold. Why, we may even be at war soon." With her point made, Zenia returns to finding her meal.
"That's not really my style," Kury answers from out of sight. "I like to know who I'm talking to before the first word."
"I should hope my reputation proceeds me," Zenia sneers.
"Yeah, well... rumors and stories are often exaggerated," Kurt says. "It would seem you're every bit as crude as they say. Perhaps the stories of your combat prowess are true, as well."
"Perhaps," Zenia answers. "Would you care for a demonstration?"
"Scary," Kurt teases. "But I don't intimidate so easily. You're nowhere near as stupid as some people seem to think. In fact, you're pretty clever, aren't you? The Great Khan wouldn't have sent someone he didn't trust."
"And?"
"And so you won't do anything to risk upsetting the negotiations and upsetting your master. So I'm calling your bluff."
"Ha... Hahaha!" Zenia cackles. "Fantastic. Always nice to see a man with a pair of balls."
"Heh. Thanks. I-" Kurt begins. Zenia's sword blade stabs through the wall a few inches beside him. He stares at it in stunned silence.
Zenia wrenches her sword free and stares through the gaping hole. "But don't forget, Kurt, that you don't know what the future may hold. Why, we may even be at war soon." With her point made, Zenia returns to finding her meal.
Gale/Rand C
Gale silently stalks her prey. She follows him for nearly an hour. But she's patient. Finally, he lets Hector loose to hunt. But she knows. She has to wait a few moments until he's out of earshot, or this will all be for naught. So she's patient. She counts. Yes, now. Rand turns his back. Her chance. Gale breaks into a sprint and plows into him. Rand turns just in time to dodge to the side. She clips his shoulder, knocking him off his feet. But he's back up almost before she recovers from her own dash.
"As expected of my arch-rival!" Gale says with a grin.
"I was starting to think you weren't coming after me," Rand says.
"Ha! As if. It's payback time!" Gale says. "This time - it's just you and me. No Hector, and no Lily! I'll have my revenge for that day!"
"Is that what this is all about? I'd heard you were tormenting Lily, but I thought you were joking about it being revenge... You know you just have to ask anytime you want a fight, right?"
"This isn't about that!" Gale yells. "That battle was in front of a crowd - and my mother! You're much better prey than your sister - honestly, she was almost boring to hunt - but make no mistake! You'll pay for that humiliation - just like your sister did!"
"You fiend!" Rand answers. "I shall avenge the princess' honor! Now, prepare yourself!"
"You wi-" Gale's eyes go wide and she begins gibbering with panic. She suddenly turns tail and takes off running at full speed.
Rand turns around, already knowing what happened. Hector lands next to him holding a pair of dead rabbits for his dinner. "Oof... That's brutal, buddy. Next time, take a few more minutes, OK?"
"As expected of my arch-rival!" Gale says with a grin.
"I was starting to think you weren't coming after me," Rand says.
"Ha! As if. It's payback time!" Gale says. "This time - it's just you and me. No Hector, and no Lily! I'll have my revenge for that day!"
"Is that what this is all about? I'd heard you were tormenting Lily, but I thought you were joking about it being revenge... You know you just have to ask anytime you want a fight, right?"
"This isn't about that!" Gale yells. "That battle was in front of a crowd - and my mother! You're much better prey than your sister - honestly, she was almost boring to hunt - but make no mistake! You'll pay for that humiliation - just like your sister did!"
"You fiend!" Rand answers. "I shall avenge the princess' honor! Now, prepare yourself!"
"You wi-" Gale's eyes go wide and she begins gibbering with panic. She suddenly turns tail and takes off running at full speed.
Rand turns around, already knowing what happened. Hector lands next to him holding a pair of dead rabbits for his dinner. "Oof... That's brutal, buddy. Next time, take a few more minutes, OK?"
Gale/Suarrure C
"Hey there, Cutie," Suarrure says.
Gale freezes. She slowly turns to stare at Suarrure.
"I really like your tail," he tells her. "And I hope you don't mind me saying - your legs are amazing. So muscular, absolutely beautifully toned - I'd love a chance to examine them more closely - in private, perhaps?" He grins a toothy grin.
Gale's eyes go wide with horror. She suddenly transforms and bolts off, diving into a bush.
"...Huh? Guess I came across too strong... Probably shouldn't have mentioned the tail right off the bat. Still, that is a cute little-"
"HAAAA!" Gale screams a battlecry as she leaps at Suarrure.
"Wha-!?" he quickly transforms, snatching her out of midair. "What are you-?"
"AAAAH! HE'S GOT ME! HE'S GONNA EAT ME!" Gale screams in fear. She kicks and struggles in his grip.
"Whoa! Stop doing that - I don't want to get kicked! Calm down and I'll let you go!" Gradually, Suarrure manages to get a better hold on her, flipping her upside down. Gale immediately stops struggling. "Ah, jeez, that's better. Are you calmed down now? Good. Y'know, your fur's really soft... And you're even cuter up close. I could just eat you up!"
Gale reverts to her human form and whimpers softly.
"Wait, no, I didn't... I'm not going to... I didn't mean that. Look, stop... making that noise, OK? And with the eyes... Alright, alright. I'm going to put you down now. And you're going to be nice and calm, right? Can you do that for me? I promise I won't even nibble."
Gale nods weakly. Suarrure lowers her to the ground. She sits, motionless, and stares at him. Suarrure starts to say something, then decides against it and calmly backs away as Gale observes him warily. When he finally leaves, Gale breathes a sigh of relief. "I'm lucky to be alive..."
Gale freezes. She slowly turns to stare at Suarrure.
"I really like your tail," he tells her. "And I hope you don't mind me saying - your legs are amazing. So muscular, absolutely beautifully toned - I'd love a chance to examine them more closely - in private, perhaps?" He grins a toothy grin.
Gale's eyes go wide with horror. She suddenly transforms and bolts off, diving into a bush.
"...Huh? Guess I came across too strong... Probably shouldn't have mentioned the tail right off the bat. Still, that is a cute little-"
"HAAAA!" Gale screams a battlecry as she leaps at Suarrure.
"Wha-!?" he quickly transforms, snatching her out of midair. "What are you-?"
"AAAAH! HE'S GOT ME! HE'S GONNA EAT ME!" Gale screams in fear. She kicks and struggles in his grip.
"Whoa! Stop doing that - I don't want to get kicked! Calm down and I'll let you go!" Gradually, Suarrure manages to get a better hold on her, flipping her upside down. Gale immediately stops struggling. "Ah, jeez, that's better. Are you calmed down now? Good. Y'know, your fur's really soft... And you're even cuter up close. I could just eat you up!"
Gale reverts to her human form and whimpers softly.
"Wait, no, I didn't... I'm not going to... I didn't mean that. Look, stop... making that noise, OK? And with the eyes... Alright, alright. I'm going to put you down now. And you're going to be nice and calm, right? Can you do that for me? I promise I won't even nibble."
Gale nods weakly. Suarrure lowers her to the ground. She sits, motionless, and stares at him. Suarrure starts to say something, then decides against it and calmly backs away as Gale observes him warily. When he finally leaves, Gale breathes a sigh of relief. "I'm lucky to be alive..."
Keith/Carin C
"Keith...? Keith!" Carin calls out. She runs to his side and wraps him in a hug.
"Carin!?" he yells. A smile spreads across his face. He quickly returns the embrace. "I heard you were caught in an ambush!"
"I heard Mala's fort was destroyed!" she answers. "I'm so glad you're alive!"
"I was injured pretty bad," he admits. "But I pulled through, thanks to Princess Lily..."
"Sorina kept me safe," Carin says. "And the Captain Rain, Doran... sacrificed themselves... And Alice..."
"Haha... It sounds like I have a lot of people to thank. I'm so glad you're safe..." Keith says. They continue embrace for a few moments. "Um... Carin? Are you... going to let me go soon? People are starting to stare..."
"Let them stare," she says. "I thought you were dead, so just... give me a few more minutes..."
"...OK."
"Carin!?" he yells. A smile spreads across his face. He quickly returns the embrace. "I heard you were caught in an ambush!"
"I heard Mala's fort was destroyed!" she answers. "I'm so glad you're alive!"
"I was injured pretty bad," he admits. "But I pulled through, thanks to Princess Lily..."
"Sorina kept me safe," Carin says. "And the Captain Rain, Doran... sacrificed themselves... And Alice..."
"Haha... It sounds like I have a lot of people to thank. I'm so glad you're safe..." Keith says. They continue embrace for a few moments. "Um... Carin? Are you... going to let me go soon? People are starting to stare..."
"Let them stare," she says. "I thought you were dead, so just... give me a few more minutes..."
"...OK."
Gin/Kurt C
Gin feels a tap on his shoulder and turns around. "Hey," Kurt says. "Nice outfit, looks really good on on."
"Huh? Oh, uh... Thanks?" Gin says, surprised.
"Yeah, I really like it. Oh, yeah. Name's Kurt," he says. He extends a hand.
"Gin." He returns the handshake.
"So, uh... hey. Got a minute? I was looking over Princess Lily's report about the attack on Mala, and I noticed a few things about it that are... strange. Think you could go over a few things with me?"
Gin's mouth tightens in displeasure. "Oh... Um... Sure, of course."
"According to the report, you were saved by a Feroxi courtesan?"
"Courtesan? ...You mean Isana? She's a traveling dancer. She showed up to the fort that morning, a bit before the attack. Oh... I guess that sounds kind of suspicious, but she saved my life! And almost died doing it, so..."
Kurt tilts his head and observes Gin carefully. "Hm... Well, you seem pretty on the ball. If you think it was a coincidence..."
"I don't know it was really a... coincidence. She was looking for Zenia, and the attack on the fort was so they could attack her in the harbor... right? So... But I think we can trust her, at least."
"I see... Thanks, Gin. That's all I wanted to ask about. I owe ya one."
"Uh... yeah, no problem."
Kurt gives a dismissive wave and strolls off. "Heh... He's kinda cute," he says to himself.
"Huh? Oh, uh... Thanks?" Gin says, surprised.
"Yeah, I really like it. Oh, yeah. Name's Kurt," he says. He extends a hand.
"Gin." He returns the handshake.
"So, uh... hey. Got a minute? I was looking over Princess Lily's report about the attack on Mala, and I noticed a few things about it that are... strange. Think you could go over a few things with me?"
Gin's mouth tightens in displeasure. "Oh... Um... Sure, of course."
"According to the report, you were saved by a Feroxi courtesan?"
"Courtesan? ...You mean Isana? She's a traveling dancer. She showed up to the fort that morning, a bit before the attack. Oh... I guess that sounds kind of suspicious, but she saved my life! And almost died doing it, so..."
Kurt tilts his head and observes Gin carefully. "Hm... Well, you seem pretty on the ball. If you think it was a coincidence..."
"I don't know it was really a... coincidence. She was looking for Zenia, and the attack on the fort was so they could attack her in the harbor... right? So... But I think we can trust her, at least."
"I see... Thanks, Gin. That's all I wanted to ask about. I owe ya one."
"Uh... yeah, no problem."
Kurt gives a dismissive wave and strolls off. "Heh... He's kinda cute," he says to himself.
Isana/Alice C
"Hello..." Alice says nervously.
"Hi!" Isana answers. "I'm Isana - and you must be Alice, correct?"
Alice is surprised. "Oh! That's correct. How did you...?"
"There's rumors going around about beautiful young woman dancing naked in the garden earlier," Isana tells her. "I thought I might join her."
"I wasn't naked!" Alice protests. "...Not completely."
Isana laughs. "I do understand the feeling. I heard people arguing about which of us was more beautiful - as well as some less savory things - and I decided I simply had to see you in person. And I have to admit, you truly are quite beautiful."
"Ah? Uh... Th-thank you?" Alice stammers.
"I love your outfit!" Isana says. "May I?"
"Oh, of course," Alice says.
Isana kneels down and runs her hand over the fabric. "Hm... It's soft, and feels absolutely wonderful to the touch. And it reveals just enough... A glimpse of skin... It's so very alluring. Perhaps I should ask Mistress to buy me some. And these shoes really bring out the figure of your lower body."
Alice grimaces. "I'd rather go barefoot... But I do like the fabric." Alice is silent as Isana continues to run examine her. "I quite like your outfit, as well. The cape instead of a proper shirt, and those pants look very comfortable. I'm not sure about the anklets, but..."
Isana grins. "Would you like to try it on? If you'll let me try yours, of course."
Alice smiles back. "Alright, deal."
"Hi!" Isana answers. "I'm Isana - and you must be Alice, correct?"
Alice is surprised. "Oh! That's correct. How did you...?"
"There's rumors going around about beautiful young woman dancing naked in the garden earlier," Isana tells her. "I thought I might join her."
"I wasn't naked!" Alice protests. "...Not completely."
Isana laughs. "I do understand the feeling. I heard people arguing about which of us was more beautiful - as well as some less savory things - and I decided I simply had to see you in person. And I have to admit, you truly are quite beautiful."
"Ah? Uh... Th-thank you?" Alice stammers.
"I love your outfit!" Isana says. "May I?"
"Oh, of course," Alice says.
Isana kneels down and runs her hand over the fabric. "Hm... It's soft, and feels absolutely wonderful to the touch. And it reveals just enough... A glimpse of skin... It's so very alluring. Perhaps I should ask Mistress to buy me some. And these shoes really bring out the figure of your lower body."
Alice grimaces. "I'd rather go barefoot... But I do like the fabric." Alice is silent as Isana continues to run examine her. "I quite like your outfit, as well. The cape instead of a proper shirt, and those pants look very comfortable. I'm not sure about the anklets, but..."
Isana grins. "Would you like to try it on? If you'll let me try yours, of course."
Alice smiles back. "Alright, deal."
Storm/Sorina C
"Sir Storm!" Sorina calls out.
He looks up from brushing his pegasus. "Sorina... Hello."
Sorina winces at the cold greeting. "Sir Storm... So you've already heard?"
Storm nods sadly.
"I'm so sorry..." Sorina says. "We walked right into that ambush. If we'd been paying more attention..."
Storm freezes, then takes a deep breath. "It's not your fault, Sorina. I'm sure you did all that you could."
"...We wouldn't have made it if not for your mother. And... We don't know for sure that she's-"
Storm holds up his hand. "Sorina. If Mother were OK, she'd have reported in by now."
"She might just be cut off and trying to get back-"
"Or injured, or captured..." Storm says. "I've already thought of all the possibilities. Please, just let it go."
Sorina droops. "OK. But, if you ever want to talk..."
"...Yeah. Thanks."
He looks up from brushing his pegasus. "Sorina... Hello."
Sorina winces at the cold greeting. "Sir Storm... So you've already heard?"
Storm nods sadly.
"I'm so sorry..." Sorina says. "We walked right into that ambush. If we'd been paying more attention..."
Storm freezes, then takes a deep breath. "It's not your fault, Sorina. I'm sure you did all that you could."
"...We wouldn't have made it if not for your mother. And... We don't know for sure that she's-"
Storm holds up his hand. "Sorina. If Mother were OK, she'd have reported in by now."
"She might just be cut off and trying to get back-"
"Or injured, or captured..." Storm says. "I've already thought of all the possibilities. Please, just let it go."
Sorina droops. "OK. But, if you ever want to talk..."
"...Yeah. Thanks."
Harv/Quinn C
"Ahoy, Quinn! Good t' see ya again!" Harv calls. He walks up and wraps an arm around the fox laguz.
"I'd recognize that voice anywhere..." Quinn says. "Hey, Harv. It's been too long."
"How've ya been, ya foxy mate?" Harv asks with a grin.
"Well... I was doing well until a few days ago. Finally got a promotion, everything was looking up..." His ears and tail droops. "Now all this..."
"Ah... Right. How's... how're Syliva 'n' yer mum takin' it?" Harv asks
"Syliva's... doing surprisingly well. She's always been like that. Mom's... Mom's not doing so well. Especially after her first husband..."
"I'm... sorry t' hear that," Harv says. "How're you doin'?"
"I'm... keeping it together as best I can," Quinn answers.
"Alright. Well... don't push yerself harder'n ya hafta. Just shout if ya need anythin' 'n' I'll come a-runnin'."
"Thanks, Harv. I appreciate it."
"I'd recognize that voice anywhere..." Quinn says. "Hey, Harv. It's been too long."
"How've ya been, ya foxy mate?" Harv asks with a grin.
"Well... I was doing well until a few days ago. Finally got a promotion, everything was looking up..." His ears and tail droops. "Now all this..."
"Ah... Right. How's... how're Syliva 'n' yer mum takin' it?" Harv asks
"Syliva's... doing surprisingly well. She's always been like that. Mom's... Mom's not doing so well. Especially after her first husband..."
"I'm... sorry t' hear that," Harv says. "How're you doin'?"
"I'm... keeping it together as best I can," Quinn answers.
"Alright. Well... don't push yerself harder'n ya hafta. Just shout if ya need anythin' 'n' I'll come a-runnin'."
"Thanks, Harv. I appreciate it."
Chapter 4
Fei/Judoc B
Gin/Stella C
Gin calls out through a closed door. "Stella? I brought you a towel. And a change of clothes."
"Oh, thanks!" Stella answers. The door cracks open and an arm slides through, quickly retreating with the goods. Gin hears the sound of her violently drying her hair. "Oh, that's so much better. Wet fur is no fun."
"Are you OK?" Gin asks.
"Huh? Why wouldn't I be OK?"
"You did just get taken hostage..." Gin reminds her.
"Oh, that. Yeah, that kinda sucked. But no time to cry about it, we're leaving soon. I've gotta clean up and do some stretching and maybe try to sneak in a quick catnap," Stella rattles off.
"You aren't coming with us?"
"Of course I am, silly! Already got permission from the acting commander."
"But... But didn't you already go all the way to Sefa and back!? Running? Aren't you exhausted?"
"Of course I am, silly! Oh, I already called you that." Stella giggles. "But I can't give up - Naga gives me strength!"
"...Can I get you anything, at least?" Gin asks.
"Oh... Food! I haven't eaten all day! Some fish would be awesome, but I can work with any kind of meat. Just bring lots!"
"Right. I'll see what I can do."
"Thaaaanks!"
Shep/Gale B
"OK, now hold it exactly like that..." Shep says.
"It hu-u-u-urts..." Gale whines.
Shep pats her gently. "I know it hurts, it'll feel better in a minute. Just don't flinch or it might heal wrong, and you might even lose your hearing in that ear."
Gale whimpers.
"I can do this..." Shep reassures himself. He carefully tends to the wound. "W-well...?"
"It... It still hurts a bit. But I can hear, though."
"Oh, good," Shep says. "It should stop hurting in a few minutes. I'll go get some hot water. We need to scrub the wound. It won't be fun, but it needs to be done."
Gale nods weakly. "OK. Um... Thanks."
"Don't worry about it," Shep says. He notices Gale's expression and gives her a questioning glance. "Was there something else?"
"Well... I noticed you don't seem to be scared of me as much lately. So I guess you're getting used to me?"
"It was never you I was... Nevermind," Shep waves his hand dismissively. "Let's get that cleaned up."
Mina/Nevyn B
"So... You're coming to Sefa with us?" Mina asks.
"Of course," Nevyn says.
"You don't have to, you know... Meridia and Carcina don't have the best relationship, after all, so not reporting back could be..." Mina trails off.
"It's not about duty - well, not my duty to my country, anyway. It's about my duty to help people. That comes first. Besides, what kind of monster would I be if I abandoned my friends at a time like this?"
Mina frowns. "Oh. Sorry, I didn't mean to imply anything or... anything."
"Hm? Oh, no, I know," Nevyn assures her.
Mina looks thoughtful and stays silent for a short while. Nevyn quietly gives her time to think. "If I had to choose between doing what's right or doing my duty as a royal guard..."
"I can't imagine Lily or Rand putting you in that situation," Nevyn points out.
"That's... a good point." Mina shakes her head. "Well, anyway. It's good to have you with us for a while longer."
Alice/Allune A
Alice paces back and forth near the forest. "I can't believe this. I should've noticed something was wrong."
Allune, floating nearby, has been watching her for some time. "Alice..." she says quietly.
Alice freezes in her tracks and turns to look at her. "Allune? Yes?"
Allune bites her lip, then smiles. "Close your eyes for a minute."
Alice does as she was asked, and feels herself being scooped up. "Oh?"
"You made me walk a mile in your shoes - or lack thereof - the other day. Very literally. Now it's your turn. Keep your eyes closed a bit longer."
"Alright." Alice wraps an arm around Allune's neck and lets herself be carried up into the sky.
"OK. You can look now."
Alice opens her eyes to find Allune holding her hundreds of feet in the air. She can see the landscape stretching out for miles. "Wow... It's really beautiful."
"I know, right?"
"...Thanks. For showing this to me. I appreciate it."
Allune smiles. "You get it now, right? Why I prefer flying, I mean."
"Yeah. And I can only imagine how this looks to you, with that hawk eyesight..." Alice trails off. "Still, it's nice to have you join me down on the ground sometimes."
Allune laughs. There's a hint of bitterness. "And here I thought you didn't like me. You seem to ditch me every chance you get."
"Oh... It's not that I dislike you, Allune, I just like being alone sometimes. To commune with nature? And you can be a bit distracting. And I guess sometimes you're a bit uptight. And you can be pretty harsh sometimes..." Alice hugs Allune a bit tighter and stares her in the eyes. "But I'm glad you're my bodyguard. You're dependable, devoted... not to mention drop-dead gorgeous."
Allune blinks and looks away. "I, um... That's... O-oh, hey! Looks like everyone's just about ready to go, let's... uh... go."
Sylvia/Suarrure B
Sylvia wanders back and forth through the armory, anxiously pulling weapons out, then putting them back. "Monsters... Blessed weapons... No, not... Don't need many axes, need lances... and... Mind-controlled laguz? Beast killers. Beast... hm... bows, too. And this is all being orchestrated by a spellcaster... need something to deal with... um..."
"Hey, cutie, what's... uh. Are you OK?" Suarrure asks.
"Huh? Oh. Uh. Yeah. Super. Just... super." Sylvia sounds less than convincing.
"You... need to calm down a bit," Suarrure suggests. "Why not take a break for lunch? This is your hometown, right? You probably know a good place for a quick date."
"I'm... really not in that kind of mood," Sylvia sighs. "I'd rather give you some kind of fair chance. Not... not today."
"Fair enough. But is there anything I can do for you? Rub your shoulders or something?"
Syliva grins. "Y'know, I think I'll take you up on that."
Rand/Judoc B
Hector seems to have disappeared. After several minutes of looking around, Rand finds him with Judoc. "What are you two up to?" he calls out.
Judoc jumps and turns around. "Oh, hey Rand. I was just talking with Hector and wow that sounds kinda crazy now that I say it out loud."
Rand shrugs. "Not really. I do it all the time. Sometimes he even answers."
"You understand what he's saying? Er, roaring?"
"More or less. Sometimes, anyway. I can usually at least guess. Didn't you ever have a pet like that?"
"...I had a fish," Judoc admits. "I can't say I can relate."
"Oh. Well, Hector seems to like you, at least," Rand says. Hector roars in agreement.
"Oh. I think I understood that."
"Huh. Guess you're a natural!"
"You don't mind me talking with him sometimes, right?"
"Oh, no, of course not. I'm not the jealous type."
Storm/Hawke B
"Storm?" Hawke calls out. "Do you have a moment?"
"Huh? Oh... Yeah," Storm answers.
"Are you OK? You seem distracted."
"Sorry," Storm mutters. "Just thinking about what that assassin said. Nevermind that. What did you need?"
Hawke frowns. "Right. I've been thinking about what you said. About how I need to be careful how I behave. Because it reflects on my employers."
Storm looks a bit surprised. "Oh?"
"You're right. But court manners are still... foreign to me. You were raised as a knight from birth, right? So that sort of thing's probably second nature to you."
"I suppose I'm rather practiced, yes."
"Do you think you can help me get better?"
"Really?"
"Just a few lessons during our free time. If you don't mind."
"Sure. Of course I don't mind."
Sorina/Carin C
Carin spends her time tending to her mount, brushing her fur and cleaning out a few spots of blood. "Sorry, girl. You did good, though." Her horse snorts at her, but seems content to be brushed. She turns around at the sound of clanking coming from the barn door.
Sorina gives her a nod and walks over. "Taking care of your horse?" she asks, even though she can clearly see the answer.
"Oh, yes. Of course. I'm going to take Alice's advice to heart and really bond with her," Carin smiles.
"I see." Sorina pats the horse on the snout. "If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask. I grew up on a ranch, after all."
"Oh, that's right! So did Rhett, huh...? Your parents raise a lot of the pegasi the Holy Knights use, don't they?" Carin asks excitedly.
Sorina nods. "They can be kind of difficult to raise, but Rhett's mom is amazing." She quietly pats the horse for a bit. "I guess we accomplished our mission after all, huh? Getting Hyun'ji here..."
Carin's smile fades. "Right... It's just a shame we lost so many to do it..."
An awkward hush falls over the room. Sorina shakes her head. "I wish we had some time to rest, but..."
"Yeah..." Carin agrees.
Rakim/Quinn C
Rakim wanders into the mess hall, his hungry young shadow right behind him. He finds Quinn huddled over a table, his head in his hands. Janice pulls on Rakim and points. Rakim shakes his head, but she points again. He finally relents and takes a seat next to him while Jan goes to find food.
Rakim sits there awkwardly. He nearly pats his shoulder, then draws back. "Are you OK?" Rakim asks.
Quinn looks up suddenly. "Wh- when did... Um. No. I mean, yes. I'm fine."
"No, you aren't," Rakim says.
"No, I'm not," Quinn agrees.
"Do you... want to talk about it?"
"...I don't know." Quinn buries his head in his hands again.
"If you are distracted, it could be a problem in battle."
"Right..." Quinn says. "Alright. I mean... my dad got kidnapped, is probably dead, and right now my step-sister's fighting for her life in Sefa forest."
"You can do something to fix one of these things," Rakim points out.
Quinn is silent, then slowly nods. "You're right. I don't have time for moping right now. The laguz village needs our help. We need to be ready. I- ah?" He turns to see Janice patting his tail. "Erm... Thanks."
Keith/Isana C
Keith finds Isana wandering around the garrison and stops her. "Hello, there!"
She hesitates for half a second, then turns and smiles at him. "Hello, sir."
Keith smiles warmly. "Your name's Isana, right? Did I pronounce that correctly?"
Isana giggles. "Perfectly, sir knight. May I help you?"
"Please, there's no need to be so formal," Keith tells her. "I wanted to thank you."
"Oh? Whatever for?"
"You saved Gin, didn't you? Back at the fort near Mala? I wanted to thank you for that."
"Oh, no, there's no need to thank me," Isana responds bashfully.
Keith shakes his head violently. "But if it weren't for you, then I would've been the only survivor. You risked your life! One wouldn't normally expect that sort of valor from a mere dancing girl."
Isana's smile vanishes and anger flashes through her eyes, but she repairs her mask in an instant. "You flatter me," she says, her voice as calm and placid as before.
Keith frowns slightly. He's unsure whether or not he imagined that flicker of anger. "R-right, well, that's all I had to say. Um... I owe you one, so just let me know if you need anything!
"Thank you!" Isana says. She gives a small wave as he retreats. As soon as he's gone, she quickly whirls around, one hand on a knife's hilt.
Nevyn/Rhett B
Lily/Zenia B
"DRAW YOUR BLADE, PRINCESS!" Zenia shouts.
Lily looks up to see a sword swinging towards her neck. She grabs her rapier and draws it just in time to deflect the slash. "What are you doing!?"
Zenia smiles with an insane fervor in her eye. "I already warned you, princess!" She pulls her sword back and goes for an overhead swing.
Lily lifts her sword to block the blow and braces it with both hands. The force of the strike nearly breaks through her guard. "Warned me!?"
"That I would train you until you're worthy of being my servant!" Zenia says. She rears back and kicks Lily in the stomach.
Lily grunts and staggers back, dropping to a knee. "Wh-"
"Don't worry, I'm not swinging hard enough to kill you - but if you're sloppy, it's definitely going to hurt! Probably leave some nasty scars, too!" Zenia swings again, and Lily barely rolls out of the way.
Lily leaps and tries to tackle Zenia. She has dozens of questions floating in her mind, but decides on asking the most salient. "Are you insane!?"
Zenia braces herself and catches Lily with a laugh. "Surprising as always! That's what I like about you. No, I'm not insane. A real enemy isn't going to wait, they won't give you time to get ready and draw your sword! And they won't be using a training blade! Hahaha... We're going to drag out that potential of yours. Now, ready your blade!"
Isana/Kurt C
"Thank you!" Isana says. She gives a small wave as he retreats. As soon as he's gone, she quickly whirls around, one hand on a knife's hilt.
Kurt, standing just behind her, raises his hands in a placating gesture. "Easy, there. I just noticed you were wandering around and seemed a bit lost. Unless you were looking for the commander's office for something...?"
"Oh, no, I'm just looking around," Isana assures him.
"Hm. I see. Well, how about I show you around? I have some question for you, anyway."
"Oh, that would be lovely. How can I help you?"
"It's just that I'm curious what you're doing here. I mean, my sources say you're one of the Great Khan's favorite courtesans. So, first of all, I have to ask why you're masquerading as a travelling dancer?
"Oh, more or less the same reasons you like to play at being a simple pickpocket rather than spouting your titles to everyone," Isana assures him.
"I can't imagine he would send his favorite, though."
"The Great Khan merely needed someone he could trust - and he does trust me - to deliver a message to Zenia. With a slight change as to what she may offer your country."
"But why a dancer?" Kurt asks. He flaps his cloak to show his meaning.
Isana grins with understanding. "You'd be surprised what people will say in front of the help. It's like they think I can't dance and eavesdrop at the same time. Especially if they're a bit drunk."
"Clever. But you must draw a lot of unwanted attention, as well?"
"Oh, but who says it's unwanted? Perhaps I merely want people watching me, rather than something else..." Isana smirks at Kurt.
Kurt frowns. "...Excuse me." He slinks off without another word.
"Fei! Are you alright?" Judoc asks. "I lost sight of you in that last battle..."
Fei grins. "Ee-yup! It was nothing I couldn't handle. Just a few scratches."
Judoc looks her up and down. He notices a few injuries and frowns. "Yeah, quite a few scratches... Seriously, did you ever consider wearing a bit more armor?"
"Aw, that's no fun. Besides, I can't move as well in armor. Not the way you can. You always look like you're dancing out there. So graceful."
Judoc looks a bit bashful. "Thanks? Bu- hey, don't try to change the subject."
"It's just not my style. I need to be able to really get some wild swings in. Besides, I'm tough enough to shrug off a few life-threatening wounds!" Fei flexes her muscles.
Judoc reaches out and pats her stomach. "You are pretty tough, I'll give you that..."
"Plus it's way harder to sneak naps in while wearing heavy armor. Oh, but maybe if I learned to sleep standing up and got a helmet..."
Fei grins. "Ee-yup! It was nothing I couldn't handle. Just a few scratches."
Judoc looks her up and down. He notices a few injuries and frowns. "Yeah, quite a few scratches... Seriously, did you ever consider wearing a bit more armor?"
"Aw, that's no fun. Besides, I can't move as well in armor. Not the way you can. You always look like you're dancing out there. So graceful."
Judoc looks a bit bashful. "Thanks? Bu- hey, don't try to change the subject."
"It's just not my style. I need to be able to really get some wild swings in. Besides, I'm tough enough to shrug off a few life-threatening wounds!" Fei flexes her muscles.
Judoc reaches out and pats her stomach. "You are pretty tough, I'll give you that..."
"Plus it's way harder to sneak naps in while wearing heavy armor. Oh, but maybe if I learned to sleep standing up and got a helmet..."
Gin/Stella C
Gin calls out through a closed door. "Stella? I brought you a towel. And a change of clothes."
"Oh, thanks!" Stella answers. The door cracks open and an arm slides through, quickly retreating with the goods. Gin hears the sound of her violently drying her hair. "Oh, that's so much better. Wet fur is no fun."
"Are you OK?" Gin asks.
"Huh? Why wouldn't I be OK?"
"You did just get taken hostage..." Gin reminds her.
"Oh, that. Yeah, that kinda sucked. But no time to cry about it, we're leaving soon. I've gotta clean up and do some stretching and maybe try to sneak in a quick catnap," Stella rattles off.
"You aren't coming with us?"
"Of course I am, silly! Already got permission from the acting commander."
"But... But didn't you already go all the way to Sefa and back!? Running? Aren't you exhausted?"
"Of course I am, silly! Oh, I already called you that." Stella giggles. "But I can't give up - Naga gives me strength!"
"...Can I get you anything, at least?" Gin asks.
"Oh... Food! I haven't eaten all day! Some fish would be awesome, but I can work with any kind of meat. Just bring lots!"
"Right. I'll see what I can do."
"Thaaaanks!"
Shep/Gale B
"OK, now hold it exactly like that..." Shep says.
"It hu-u-u-urts..." Gale whines.
Shep pats her gently. "I know it hurts, it'll feel better in a minute. Just don't flinch or it might heal wrong, and you might even lose your hearing in that ear."
Gale whimpers.
"I can do this..." Shep reassures himself. He carefully tends to the wound. "W-well...?"
"It... It still hurts a bit. But I can hear, though."
"Oh, good," Shep says. "It should stop hurting in a few minutes. I'll go get some hot water. We need to scrub the wound. It won't be fun, but it needs to be done."
Gale nods weakly. "OK. Um... Thanks."
"Don't worry about it," Shep says. He notices Gale's expression and gives her a questioning glance. "Was there something else?"
"Well... I noticed you don't seem to be scared of me as much lately. So I guess you're getting used to me?"
"It was never you I was... Nevermind," Shep waves his hand dismissively. "Let's get that cleaned up."
Mina/Nevyn B
"So... You're coming to Sefa with us?" Mina asks.
"Of course," Nevyn says.
"You don't have to, you know... Meridia and Carcina don't have the best relationship, after all, so not reporting back could be..." Mina trails off.
"It's not about duty - well, not my duty to my country, anyway. It's about my duty to help people. That comes first. Besides, what kind of monster would I be if I abandoned my friends at a time like this?"
Mina frowns. "Oh. Sorry, I didn't mean to imply anything or... anything."
"Hm? Oh, no, I know," Nevyn assures her.
Mina looks thoughtful and stays silent for a short while. Nevyn quietly gives her time to think. "If I had to choose between doing what's right or doing my duty as a royal guard..."
"I can't imagine Lily or Rand putting you in that situation," Nevyn points out.
"That's... a good point." Mina shakes her head. "Well, anyway. It's good to have you with us for a while longer."
Alice/Allune A
Alice paces back and forth near the forest. "I can't believe this. I should've noticed something was wrong."
Allune, floating nearby, has been watching her for some time. "Alice..." she says quietly.
Alice freezes in her tracks and turns to look at her. "Allune? Yes?"
Allune bites her lip, then smiles. "Close your eyes for a minute."
Alice does as she was asked, and feels herself being scooped up. "Oh?"
"You made me walk a mile in your shoes - or lack thereof - the other day. Very literally. Now it's your turn. Keep your eyes closed a bit longer."
"Alright." Alice wraps an arm around Allune's neck and lets herself be carried up into the sky.
"OK. You can look now."
Alice opens her eyes to find Allune holding her hundreds of feet in the air. She can see the landscape stretching out for miles. "Wow... It's really beautiful."
"I know, right?"
"...Thanks. For showing this to me. I appreciate it."
Allune smiles. "You get it now, right? Why I prefer flying, I mean."
"Yeah. And I can only imagine how this looks to you, with that hawk eyesight..." Alice trails off. "Still, it's nice to have you join me down on the ground sometimes."
Allune laughs. There's a hint of bitterness. "And here I thought you didn't like me. You seem to ditch me every chance you get."
"Oh... It's not that I dislike you, Allune, I just like being alone sometimes. To commune with nature? And you can be a bit distracting. And I guess sometimes you're a bit uptight. And you can be pretty harsh sometimes..." Alice hugs Allune a bit tighter and stares her in the eyes. "But I'm glad you're my bodyguard. You're dependable, devoted... not to mention drop-dead gorgeous."
Allune blinks and looks away. "I, um... That's... O-oh, hey! Looks like everyone's just about ready to go, let's... uh... go."
Sylvia/Suarrure B
Sylvia wanders back and forth through the armory, anxiously pulling weapons out, then putting them back. "Monsters... Blessed weapons... No, not... Don't need many axes, need lances... and... Mind-controlled laguz? Beast killers. Beast... hm... bows, too. And this is all being orchestrated by a spellcaster... need something to deal with... um..."
"Hey, cutie, what's... uh. Are you OK?" Suarrure asks.
"Huh? Oh. Uh. Yeah. Super. Just... super." Sylvia sounds less than convincing.
"You... need to calm down a bit," Suarrure suggests. "Why not take a break for lunch? This is your hometown, right? You probably know a good place for a quick date."
"I'm... really not in that kind of mood," Sylvia sighs. "I'd rather give you some kind of fair chance. Not... not today."
"Fair enough. But is there anything I can do for you? Rub your shoulders or something?"
Syliva grins. "Y'know, I think I'll take you up on that."
Rand/Judoc B
Hector seems to have disappeared. After several minutes of looking around, Rand finds him with Judoc. "What are you two up to?" he calls out.
Judoc jumps and turns around. "Oh, hey Rand. I was just talking with Hector and wow that sounds kinda crazy now that I say it out loud."
Rand shrugs. "Not really. I do it all the time. Sometimes he even answers."
"You understand what he's saying? Er, roaring?"
"More or less. Sometimes, anyway. I can usually at least guess. Didn't you ever have a pet like that?"
"...I had a fish," Judoc admits. "I can't say I can relate."
"Oh. Well, Hector seems to like you, at least," Rand says. Hector roars in agreement.
"Oh. I think I understood that."
"Huh. Guess you're a natural!"
"You don't mind me talking with him sometimes, right?"
"Oh, no, of course not. I'm not the jealous type."
Storm/Hawke B
"Storm?" Hawke calls out. "Do you have a moment?"
"Huh? Oh... Yeah," Storm answers.
"Are you OK? You seem distracted."
"Sorry," Storm mutters. "Just thinking about what that assassin said. Nevermind that. What did you need?"
Hawke frowns. "Right. I've been thinking about what you said. About how I need to be careful how I behave. Because it reflects on my employers."
Storm looks a bit surprised. "Oh?"
"You're right. But court manners are still... foreign to me. You were raised as a knight from birth, right? So that sort of thing's probably second nature to you."
"I suppose I'm rather practiced, yes."
"Do you think you can help me get better?"
"Really?"
"Just a few lessons during our free time. If you don't mind."
"Sure. Of course I don't mind."
Sorina/Carin C
Carin spends her time tending to her mount, brushing her fur and cleaning out a few spots of blood. "Sorry, girl. You did good, though." Her horse snorts at her, but seems content to be brushed. She turns around at the sound of clanking coming from the barn door.
Sorina gives her a nod and walks over. "Taking care of your horse?" she asks, even though she can clearly see the answer.
"Oh, yes. Of course. I'm going to take Alice's advice to heart and really bond with her," Carin smiles.
"I see." Sorina pats the horse on the snout. "If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask. I grew up on a ranch, after all."
"Oh, that's right! So did Rhett, huh...? Your parents raise a lot of the pegasi the Holy Knights use, don't they?" Carin asks excitedly.
Sorina nods. "They can be kind of difficult to raise, but Rhett's mom is amazing." She quietly pats the horse for a bit. "I guess we accomplished our mission after all, huh? Getting Hyun'ji here..."
Carin's smile fades. "Right... It's just a shame we lost so many to do it..."
An awkward hush falls over the room. Sorina shakes her head. "I wish we had some time to rest, but..."
"Yeah..." Carin agrees.
Rakim/Quinn C
Rakim wanders into the mess hall, his hungry young shadow right behind him. He finds Quinn huddled over a table, his head in his hands. Janice pulls on Rakim and points. Rakim shakes his head, but she points again. He finally relents and takes a seat next to him while Jan goes to find food.
Rakim sits there awkwardly. He nearly pats his shoulder, then draws back. "Are you OK?" Rakim asks.
Quinn looks up suddenly. "Wh- when did... Um. No. I mean, yes. I'm fine."
"No, you aren't," Rakim says.
"No, I'm not," Quinn agrees.
"Do you... want to talk about it?"
"...I don't know." Quinn buries his head in his hands again.
"If you are distracted, it could be a problem in battle."
"Right..." Quinn says. "Alright. I mean... my dad got kidnapped, is probably dead, and right now my step-sister's fighting for her life in Sefa forest."
"You can do something to fix one of these things," Rakim points out.
Quinn is silent, then slowly nods. "You're right. I don't have time for moping right now. The laguz village needs our help. We need to be ready. I- ah?" He turns to see Janice patting his tail. "Erm... Thanks."
Keith/Isana C
Keith finds Isana wandering around the garrison and stops her. "Hello, there!"
She hesitates for half a second, then turns and smiles at him. "Hello, sir."
Keith smiles warmly. "Your name's Isana, right? Did I pronounce that correctly?"
Isana giggles. "Perfectly, sir knight. May I help you?"
"Please, there's no need to be so formal," Keith tells her. "I wanted to thank you."
"Oh? Whatever for?"
"You saved Gin, didn't you? Back at the fort near Mala? I wanted to thank you for that."
"Oh, no, there's no need to thank me," Isana responds bashfully.
Keith shakes his head violently. "But if it weren't for you, then I would've been the only survivor. You risked your life! One wouldn't normally expect that sort of valor from a mere dancing girl."
Isana's smile vanishes and anger flashes through her eyes, but she repairs her mask in an instant. "You flatter me," she says, her voice as calm and placid as before.
Keith frowns slightly. He's unsure whether or not he imagined that flicker of anger. "R-right, well, that's all I had to say. Um... I owe you one, so just let me know if you need anything!
"Thank you!" Isana says. She gives a small wave as he retreats. As soon as he's gone, she quickly whirls around, one hand on a knife's hilt.
Nevyn/Rhett B
Rhett finds Nevyn cleaning and polishing his axe. "Hi, Nevyn."
Nevyn doesn't look up. "Hello, Rhett. Is there something I can do for you?"
"Yes."
"And what is it?"
"I have a question."
"Alright. You don't need to warn me when you want to ask questions, you can just ask."
"OK. You're using an axe now instead of turning into a wolf. Why?"
"Oh, well... Turning into a wolf is exhausting. If I run out of stamina while I'm surrounded by enemies or something, it would be a problem. As for why an axe, well, my father uses an axe, so I just felt drawn to it."
"Oh. You're already better at it than I am," Rhett says.
Nevyn isn't really sure how to respond. He scratches his head awkwardly. "I'm sure you could bet better. Maybe we could train together some?"
"That sounds like a good idea. Can we start now?"
Nevyn's tail wags subtly. "Sure, but we'll need to make it a quick session. Remember we need to be ready to go soon."
"OK."
Nevyn doesn't look up. "Hello, Rhett. Is there something I can do for you?"
"Yes."
"And what is it?"
"I have a question."
"Alright. You don't need to warn me when you want to ask questions, you can just ask."
"OK. You're using an axe now instead of turning into a wolf. Why?"
"Oh, well... Turning into a wolf is exhausting. If I run out of stamina while I'm surrounded by enemies or something, it would be a problem. As for why an axe, well, my father uses an axe, so I just felt drawn to it."
"Oh. You're already better at it than I am," Rhett says.
Nevyn isn't really sure how to respond. He scratches his head awkwardly. "I'm sure you could bet better. Maybe we could train together some?"
"That sounds like a good idea. Can we start now?"
Nevyn's tail wags subtly. "Sure, but we'll need to make it a quick session. Remember we need to be ready to go soon."
"OK."
Lily/Zenia B
"DRAW YOUR BLADE, PRINCESS!" Zenia shouts.
Lily looks up to see a sword swinging towards her neck. She grabs her rapier and draws it just in time to deflect the slash. "What are you doing!?"
Zenia smiles with an insane fervor in her eye. "I already warned you, princess!" She pulls her sword back and goes for an overhead swing.
Lily lifts her sword to block the blow and braces it with both hands. The force of the strike nearly breaks through her guard. "Warned me!?"
"That I would train you until you're worthy of being my servant!" Zenia says. She rears back and kicks Lily in the stomach.
Lily grunts and staggers back, dropping to a knee. "Wh-"
"Don't worry, I'm not swinging hard enough to kill you - but if you're sloppy, it's definitely going to hurt! Probably leave some nasty scars, too!" Zenia swings again, and Lily barely rolls out of the way.
Lily leaps and tries to tackle Zenia. She has dozens of questions floating in her mind, but decides on asking the most salient. "Are you insane!?"
Zenia braces herself and catches Lily with a laugh. "Surprising as always! That's what I like about you. No, I'm not insane. A real enemy isn't going to wait, they won't give you time to get ready and draw your sword! And they won't be using a training blade! Hahaha... We're going to drag out that potential of yours. Now, ready your blade!"
Isana/Kurt C
"Thank you!" Isana says. She gives a small wave as he retreats. As soon as he's gone, she quickly whirls around, one hand on a knife's hilt.
Kurt, standing just behind her, raises his hands in a placating gesture. "Easy, there. I just noticed you were wandering around and seemed a bit lost. Unless you were looking for the commander's office for something...?"
"Oh, no, I'm just looking around," Isana assures him.
"Hm. I see. Well, how about I show you around? I have some question for you, anyway."
"Oh, that would be lovely. How can I help you?"
"It's just that I'm curious what you're doing here. I mean, my sources say you're one of the Great Khan's favorite courtesans. So, first of all, I have to ask why you're masquerading as a travelling dancer?
"Oh, more or less the same reasons you like to play at being a simple pickpocket rather than spouting your titles to everyone," Isana assures him.
"I can't imagine he would send his favorite, though."
"The Great Khan merely needed someone he could trust - and he does trust me - to deliver a message to Zenia. With a slight change as to what she may offer your country."
"But why a dancer?" Kurt asks. He flaps his cloak to show his meaning.
Isana grins with understanding. "You'd be surprised what people will say in front of the help. It's like they think I can't dance and eavesdrop at the same time. Especially if they're a bit drunk."
"Clever. But you must draw a lot of unwanted attention, as well?"
"Oh, but who says it's unwanted? Perhaps I merely want people watching me, rather than something else..." Isana smirks at Kurt.
Kurt frowns. "...Excuse me." He slinks off without another word.
Chapter 5
Nevyn/Fei B
Harv/Zenia B
Storm/Zenia B
Lily/Gin B
Lily/Mina B
Shep/Kelly B
Isana/Eun'ji C
Pixie/Suarrure C
Gale/Hawke B
Gale/Zenia C
Alice/Rhett B
Rand/Alice B
Alice/Lily B
Alice/Zenia C
Lily/Gale A
Nevyn wanders from house to house, trying to find his subordinates. He's not surprised to find Fei curled up in one of the beds. She wakes up as he walks into the room. "Hey, Boss! I wasn't... wait, we were supposed to be resting. Nevermind, then, that's exactly what I was doing."
"I know, Fei. I just wanted to make sure you and Judoc were alright. I hate to say it may end up being quite a while before we head back home," Nevyn apologizes.
"Eh, that's fine. On the road, back at base... Honestly, this is a bit nicer than sitting around the fort all day, trying to find places to hide to get out of doing meaningless work... And it's not fair, either, with that nose of yours! I have to keep thinking up new tricks."
"I don't enjoy our little games of hide-and-seek!" Nevyn protests. "Keeping you busy's a full-time job!"
"Aw, but it's good practice for you, right? Tracking and stuff? Isn't that our unit's specialty?"
"Fei..." Nevyn's voice tells her he's annoyed.
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding..." Fei sighs. "So, do you feel more, y'know, confident? In the whole leadership thing?"
"No." Nevyn's ears droop. "If anything, I feel worse off. Watching Lily at work... It seems to come so naturally to her. Rand, even Alice... I've got a long way to go."
"You'll get there, Boss. I don't think - well, OK, maybe for Alice, but she's kinda... out there. But Rand and Lily worked hard and trained to get where they were. And if they can do it, so can you."
"But..."
"Hey, now. Do you at least feel like you're learning from them?"
"I... guess? A little?"
"Great! You can do it, Boss! I believe in you."
Nevyn perks up a bit. "...Thanks, Fei."
"I know, Fei. I just wanted to make sure you and Judoc were alright. I hate to say it may end up being quite a while before we head back home," Nevyn apologizes.
"Eh, that's fine. On the road, back at base... Honestly, this is a bit nicer than sitting around the fort all day, trying to find places to hide to get out of doing meaningless work... And it's not fair, either, with that nose of yours! I have to keep thinking up new tricks."
"I don't enjoy our little games of hide-and-seek!" Nevyn protests. "Keeping you busy's a full-time job!"
"Aw, but it's good practice for you, right? Tracking and stuff? Isn't that our unit's specialty?"
"Fei..." Nevyn's voice tells her he's annoyed.
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding..." Fei sighs. "So, do you feel more, y'know, confident? In the whole leadership thing?"
"No." Nevyn's ears droop. "If anything, I feel worse off. Watching Lily at work... It seems to come so naturally to her. Rand, even Alice... I've got a long way to go."
"You'll get there, Boss. I don't think - well, OK, maybe for Alice, but she's kinda... out there. But Rand and Lily worked hard and trained to get where they were. And if they can do it, so can you."
"But..."
"Hey, now. Do you at least feel like you're learning from them?"
"I... guess? A little?"
"Great! You can do it, Boss! I believe in you."
Nevyn perks up a bit. "...Thanks, Fei."
Harv/Zenia B
Zenia grabs Harv by the scruff of his neck. "You. Mercenary."
"My proper appellation is Cap'n, thank you," Harv says. "What's the botheration?"
"Both- why do you insist on that insipid manner of speech?"
"Ma always taught me that our clients - 'specially them high-falutin ones - 'spect a certain manner o' articulation."
"Well knock it off," Zenia orders. She groans. "I mean to tell you that our contract will be concluding once we return to the coast. The Great Khan has sent a ship with some of his personal guard to meet me."
"I see. Well, so long as I get m' payment fer services rendered."
Zenia nods. Harv turns to leave when she starts talking again. "Your mother... hm. The legendary Bloody Rose. Hard to imagine her playing tour guide and babysitter for a bunch of stuck-up nobles in her twilight years."
"Then retiring to a nice cozy cottage in the mountains with her lover," Harv adds.
"Interesting. I can't imagine."
"I doubt you'll live that long, the way you lust for battle," Harv laughs.
Zenia narrows her eyes at him for a long, hard stare. Finally, she shrugs. "True."
Harv gives another laugh and walks off, glad that she didn't take his comment badly.
"My proper appellation is Cap'n, thank you," Harv says. "What's the botheration?"
"Both- why do you insist on that insipid manner of speech?"
"Ma always taught me that our clients - 'specially them high-falutin ones - 'spect a certain manner o' articulation."
"Well knock it off," Zenia orders. She groans. "I mean to tell you that our contract will be concluding once we return to the coast. The Great Khan has sent a ship with some of his personal guard to meet me."
"I see. Well, so long as I get m' payment fer services rendered."
Zenia nods. Harv turns to leave when she starts talking again. "Your mother... hm. The legendary Bloody Rose. Hard to imagine her playing tour guide and babysitter for a bunch of stuck-up nobles in her twilight years."
"Then retiring to a nice cozy cottage in the mountains with her lover," Harv adds.
"Interesting. I can't imagine."
"I doubt you'll live that long, the way you lust for battle," Harv laughs.
Zenia narrows her eyes at him for a long, hard stare. Finally, she shrugs. "True."
Harv gives another laugh and walks off, glad that she didn't take his comment badly.
Storm/Zenia B
Zenia leaves in the other direction. Storm stops her shortly. "Hello, Champion Zenia," he says. His voice has a subtle edge to it that immediately puts her in a bad mood.
"Hello again, young knight. Is there something you need?" she asks.
"I wanted to speak with you about what you said the other day, if you've got a minute."
Zenia folds her arms and makes a subtle motion to continue.
"You asked me why I became a knight, what I'm fighting for. I've been wondering the same of you."
"I fight for my Khan," Zenia says, blunt as ever.
"That was... fast. What has he done to earn your loyalty to such a degree?"
Zenia glares at him silently.
Storm stares back. He suddenly realizes what he's doing and clears his throat. "My apologies. Perhaps that was a rude question."
"Extremely. Suffice to say the Great Khan has my complete loyalty."
"I see. I'll drop the matter here, then." Storm gives her a salute. "Thank you for indulging me."
Zenia nods and walks past him without another word.
"Hello again, young knight. Is there something you need?" she asks.
"I wanted to speak with you about what you said the other day, if you've got a minute."
Zenia folds her arms and makes a subtle motion to continue.
"You asked me why I became a knight, what I'm fighting for. I've been wondering the same of you."
"I fight for my Khan," Zenia says, blunt as ever.
"That was... fast. What has he done to earn your loyalty to such a degree?"
Zenia glares at him silently.
Storm stares back. He suddenly realizes what he's doing and clears his throat. "My apologies. Perhaps that was a rude question."
"Extremely. Suffice to say the Great Khan has my complete loyalty."
"I see. I'll drop the matter here, then." Storm gives her a salute. "Thank you for indulging me."
Zenia nods and walks past him without another word.
Lily/Gin B
"We appreciate it," Lily says. "Everyone, go take a rest! You've certainly earned it. We'll discuss our plans further this evening."
"Mmm... I'd love a nap." Gale stretches, then wraps an arm around Lily's shoulder. "But this would be a good chance for that duel, wouldn't it? You can spare a few minutes after lunch, right?"
Lily sighs. "Fine."
Gale grins and heads off find somewhere to curl up for a nap. Lily's about to do the same when Gin cuts her off.
"Duel? You're having a duel with Gale...?" he asks. He seems concerned.
"Ah... It's a long story," Lily explains. "It's... nothing like you're thinking. Just another one of her games. To mess with me."
"Oh, good! I was worried she'd finally crossed a line. So you aren't, y'know... really fighting, or...?" Gin trails off.
"Oh... Well, I'm not going to hold back," Lily promises. "Neither will she. She wants a fight, and I'm going to give her one."
"Are you doing this in private, or can I watch? I feel like it'd be a good chance to learn a lot watching you fight. I'm usually too focused on the battle during... er... battle. It's all I can do to hold my own."
"You do fine," Lily says. "In fact, I count on you to hold the enemy back quite a bit."
"Really?" Gin asks. "It doesn't really feel like I'm doing much..."
"It can be easy to lose track of a single soldier's role in a large fight," Lily admits. "But you've really been a lifesaver, quite a few times."
Gin blushes and tries to hide a smile. "That's... kind of you to say, Princess. Thank you."
"My praise is well-deserved, Gin." Lily offers a small bow. "I'll be counting on you in the future, as well."
"I... um... me?" Gin stammers meekly. "Th-th-that's... ah... Excuse me, Princess..." He retreats as quickly as possible.
"Mmm... I'd love a nap." Gale stretches, then wraps an arm around Lily's shoulder. "But this would be a good chance for that duel, wouldn't it? You can spare a few minutes after lunch, right?"
Lily sighs. "Fine."
Gale grins and heads off find somewhere to curl up for a nap. Lily's about to do the same when Gin cuts her off.
"Duel? You're having a duel with Gale...?" he asks. He seems concerned.
"Ah... It's a long story," Lily explains. "It's... nothing like you're thinking. Just another one of her games. To mess with me."
"Oh, good! I was worried she'd finally crossed a line. So you aren't, y'know... really fighting, or...?" Gin trails off.
"Oh... Well, I'm not going to hold back," Lily promises. "Neither will she. She wants a fight, and I'm going to give her one."
"Are you doing this in private, or can I watch? I feel like it'd be a good chance to learn a lot watching you fight. I'm usually too focused on the battle during... er... battle. It's all I can do to hold my own."
"You do fine," Lily says. "In fact, I count on you to hold the enemy back quite a bit."
"Really?" Gin asks. "It doesn't really feel like I'm doing much..."
"It can be easy to lose track of a single soldier's role in a large fight," Lily admits. "But you've really been a lifesaver, quite a few times."
Gin blushes and tries to hide a smile. "That's... kind of you to say, Princess. Thank you."
"My praise is well-deserved, Gin." Lily offers a small bow. "I'll be counting on you in the future, as well."
"I... um... me?" Gin stammers meekly. "Th-th-that's... ah... Excuse me, Princess..." He retreats as quickly as possible.
Lily/Mina B
Lily looks after him, then shakes her head. "He almost reminds me of Mina, but..."
"Yes?" a familiar voice behind her says softly.
Lily jumps slightly. "Ah! Oh. Mina. Hi." It's her turn to stammer awkwardly.
"Did you call for me?" Mina asks.
"Oh, no. I was just... saying that he kind of reminds me of you," Lily says.
Mina tilts her head curiously.
"I mean... he lacks confidence, but he's a pretty good fighter. And you can also be a bit shy. And you're stronger than you think."
Mina looks away sadly. "You're just saying that."
"No, really. You're like a whole new woman than the one that left Tartarus with Rand," Lily assures her."You could still be a better fighter, but you're really trying to approve. And Rand told me how diligently you were watching his back. I appreciate it."
"But..."
Lily clasps Mina's hands. "Mina. I mean it - I truly, truly appreciate it. Thank you just for being there. All I need is for you to stay by our side, and maybe give me a smile?"
Mina looks down with a shy smile. "I, um... OK. Sorry. I mean, you're welcome."
Lily smiles back, then excuses herself to rest.
"Yes?" a familiar voice behind her says softly.
Lily jumps slightly. "Ah! Oh. Mina. Hi." It's her turn to stammer awkwardly.
"Did you call for me?" Mina asks.
"Oh, no. I was just... saying that he kind of reminds me of you," Lily says.
Mina tilts her head curiously.
"I mean... he lacks confidence, but he's a pretty good fighter. And you can also be a bit shy. And you're stronger than you think."
Mina looks away sadly. "You're just saying that."
"No, really. You're like a whole new woman than the one that left Tartarus with Rand," Lily assures her."You could still be a better fighter, but you're really trying to approve. And Rand told me how diligently you were watching his back. I appreciate it."
"But..."
Lily clasps Mina's hands. "Mina. I mean it - I truly, truly appreciate it. Thank you just for being there. All I need is for you to stay by our side, and maybe give me a smile?"
Mina looks down with a shy smile. "I, um... OK. Sorry. I mean, you're welcome."
Lily smiles back, then excuses herself to rest.
Shep/Kelly B
Shep and the rest of the healers spend most of the morning tending to the wounded. He finishes tucking the last of his patients into bed to rest. He walks into the next room and immediately flops into the first chair he can find with a groan.
Kelly walks in with a basket of food. "I brought lunch. You OK?"
Shep looks up. "Huh? Ah, yeah. Just a bit tired."
Kelly fishes out some roasted fish. "Don't push yourself too hard. 'Physician heal thyself' or whatever the saying is. You're useless to us if you pass out from exhaustion."
"Your concern is heartwarming." Shep accepts the fish and starts pulling it apart.
"Sorry," Kelly says.
"Mmm. This's a good fish... Thanks."
"I've also got some fruit." Kelly passes him an apple. "You're going to take a break after lunch, right?"
"I need to keep checking up on everyone. Can't slack off just because I'm tired. Besides, this is a great opportunity to learn from an old pro," Shep says. "By the way, how's that injury? From the other day?"
"Meh." Kelly lifts her shirt to show a small scar. "Not so bad as you made it sound like it would be."
"Eh, you've just got nice skin, good self-healing. You're good to practice on."
"That sounds... kind of creepy," Kelly mutters.
"Yes, yes. I'm just teasing you," Shep promises. "I'm glad to see you're better. And continue to see. Unless you want to put your shirt down?"
"Oh. Yeah." Kelly quickly covers herself. "So, uh... How about this. You finish eating and take a nap, and I'll watch over all those injured guys. I already got a bit of rest, so I'm good."
"Well... Promise to wake me if anything happens?"
"If any of them ask for a glass of water, I can probably handle it. Much more than that and sure."
"Alright, I'm going to take you up on that..." Shep says. He yawns and hurries to finish his meal.
Kelly walks in with a basket of food. "I brought lunch. You OK?"
Shep looks up. "Huh? Ah, yeah. Just a bit tired."
Kelly fishes out some roasted fish. "Don't push yourself too hard. 'Physician heal thyself' or whatever the saying is. You're useless to us if you pass out from exhaustion."
"Your concern is heartwarming." Shep accepts the fish and starts pulling it apart.
"Sorry," Kelly says.
"Mmm. This's a good fish... Thanks."
"I've also got some fruit." Kelly passes him an apple. "You're going to take a break after lunch, right?"
"I need to keep checking up on everyone. Can't slack off just because I'm tired. Besides, this is a great opportunity to learn from an old pro," Shep says. "By the way, how's that injury? From the other day?"
"Meh." Kelly lifts her shirt to show a small scar. "Not so bad as you made it sound like it would be."
"Eh, you've just got nice skin, good self-healing. You're good to practice on."
"That sounds... kind of creepy," Kelly mutters.
"Yes, yes. I'm just teasing you," Shep promises. "I'm glad to see you're better. And continue to see. Unless you want to put your shirt down?"
"Oh. Yeah." Kelly quickly covers herself. "So, uh... How about this. You finish eating and take a nap, and I'll watch over all those injured guys. I already got a bit of rest, so I'm good."
"Well... Promise to wake me if anything happens?"
"If any of them ask for a glass of water, I can probably handle it. Much more than that and sure."
"Alright, I'm going to take you up on that..." Shep says. He yawns and hurries to finish his meal.
Isana/Eun'ji C
"This tea is delicious, as always. Thank you for your hard work," Hyun'ji tells Eun'ji.
"Of course, Master."
"Now, please, go rest yourself."
"Of course, Master." Eun'ji bows as she's dismissed. She finds Isana waiting around just outside his room and eyes her suspiciously. "You... are Zenia's servant."
Isana nods. "Technically I'm the Great Khan's, but I'm more or less Zenia's."
"I assume she didn't send you to spy on us," Eun'ji says flatly.
"Zenia didn't send me at all. I just wanted to see what sort of relationship you have with your... master."
"And what have you learned?" Eun'ji asks.
Isana closes her eyes and sighs sadly. "I suppose I've learned I'm a bit jealous."
"Huh?"
"The two of you seem very close. Friendly. Almost... like a family."
Eun'ji physically recoils. "A-are you daft!? He's... And I'm... That's...!"
"Ah, sorry. I mean no offense. I just..." Isana pauses and scratches her head. "I don't know what I'm trying to say at this point."
"I... suppose you're just saying you want her to acknowledge your efforts. Understandable."
"No, I... She knows how skilled I am. I wish she were a bit more... affectionate. Like your master. Perhaps you would like to trade for a few days?" Isana teases.
"I refuse," Eun'ji says bluntly. "But... Hm. Here." She hands Isana a small bag. "This is my special blend of tea leaves. It's designed to promote relaxation. Try preparing some for Zenia some night before bed. Forgive me for saying, but she seems like she could use it."
Isana looks at the bag. "Hm... Well, I suppose it's worth a try. Thank you."
"Of course, Master."
"Now, please, go rest yourself."
"Of course, Master." Eun'ji bows as she's dismissed. She finds Isana waiting around just outside his room and eyes her suspiciously. "You... are Zenia's servant."
Isana nods. "Technically I'm the Great Khan's, but I'm more or less Zenia's."
"I assume she didn't send you to spy on us," Eun'ji says flatly.
"Zenia didn't send me at all. I just wanted to see what sort of relationship you have with your... master."
"And what have you learned?" Eun'ji asks.
Isana closes her eyes and sighs sadly. "I suppose I've learned I'm a bit jealous."
"Huh?"
"The two of you seem very close. Friendly. Almost... like a family."
Eun'ji physically recoils. "A-are you daft!? He's... And I'm... That's...!"
"Ah, sorry. I mean no offense. I just..." Isana pauses and scratches her head. "I don't know what I'm trying to say at this point."
"I... suppose you're just saying you want her to acknowledge your efforts. Understandable."
"No, I... She knows how skilled I am. I wish she were a bit more... affectionate. Like your master. Perhaps you would like to trade for a few days?" Isana teases.
"I refuse," Eun'ji says bluntly. "But... Hm. Here." She hands Isana a small bag. "This is my special blend of tea leaves. It's designed to promote relaxation. Try preparing some for Zenia some night before bed. Forgive me for saying, but she seems like she could use it."
Isana looks at the bag. "Hm... Well, I suppose it's worth a try. Thank you."
Pixie/Suarrure C
Suarrure creeps up on Pixie as she crawls around on the forest floor. "Hey, there!" he calls from right behind her.
She leaps up off the ground. "Ah!"
"Wow. I couldn't get a good look at you in the dark - really loved the whole suddenly bursting out of the dark thing, by the way - but you're super-cute!"
"A-ah?"
"Yeah! Just look at those legs. And those wings!"
"U-um..."
"They look really powerful. And your feathers are so shiny and pretty! You clearly take care of them. I bet you preen a lot, huh?"
"Mm-mmhm..."
"So, hey, what are you doing out here on your own, anyway?" Suarrure asks.
"I... lost something..."
"Oh?" Suarrure waits patiently for her to continue.
"...My charm necklace..."
"And you can't find it, huh? Alright, how about I give you a hand. Come closer for a sec?"
Pixie looks confused, but inches towards Suarrure. He leans in and takes a few sniffs of her neck. Pixie freezes up. "Nnngh!?"
"Hm. You smell like... dirt, dry leaves, and a faint hint of... rabbit? Mm. I like it!" Suarrure gives her a smile and wags his tail. "Alright, I got your scent! I'll find it in a heartbeat, so just leave it to me!"
"Is this it?" Suarrure asks. He holds up a necklace with a silver figure shaped like a pixie.
"Y-yes! Yes, it is!" Pixie gasps.
"Heh heh... It looks like you. Here." He walks closer and Pixie holds out her hand to accept it. Instead, Suarrure reaches around and hangs it from her neck.
"Oh! Um... Th-thanks..." she mutters.
"Don't mention it!" Suarrure says. He stands and smiles and wags his tail.
"...W-well... Um... Th-thanks again..." she says awkwardly. She flaps her wings and flies off as fast as possible.
She leaps up off the ground. "Ah!"
"Wow. I couldn't get a good look at you in the dark - really loved the whole suddenly bursting out of the dark thing, by the way - but you're super-cute!"
"A-ah?"
"Yeah! Just look at those legs. And those wings!"
"U-um..."
"They look really powerful. And your feathers are so shiny and pretty! You clearly take care of them. I bet you preen a lot, huh?"
"Mm-mmhm..."
"So, hey, what are you doing out here on your own, anyway?" Suarrure asks.
"I... lost something..."
"Oh?" Suarrure waits patiently for her to continue.
"...My charm necklace..."
"And you can't find it, huh? Alright, how about I give you a hand. Come closer for a sec?"
Pixie looks confused, but inches towards Suarrure. He leans in and takes a few sniffs of her neck. Pixie freezes up. "Nnngh!?"
"Hm. You smell like... dirt, dry leaves, and a faint hint of... rabbit? Mm. I like it!" Suarrure gives her a smile and wags his tail. "Alright, I got your scent! I'll find it in a heartbeat, so just leave it to me!"
"Is this it?" Suarrure asks. He holds up a necklace with a silver figure shaped like a pixie.
"Y-yes! Yes, it is!" Pixie gasps.
"Heh heh... It looks like you. Here." He walks closer and Pixie holds out her hand to accept it. Instead, Suarrure reaches around and hangs it from her neck.
"Oh! Um... Th-thanks..." she mutters.
"Don't mention it!" Suarrure says. He stands and smiles and wags his tail.
"...W-well... Um... Th-thanks again..." she says awkwardly. She flaps her wings and flies off as fast as possible.
Gale/Hawke B
"You. Rabbit." Hawke drops down on the back of his wyvern.
Gale, asleep against a tree, immediately snaps awake. "Huh? I- AH!" She scampers to hide behind the trunk.
"Don't think you can hide from me," Hawke warns her. "I told you. My job is to protect the princess."
"What!?"
"I warned you I'd feed you to my wyvern if I thought you were a threat." He signals his wyvern and it snaps at her.
Gale pulls further behind the tree with a panicked yell. "What are you talking about!?"
"Challenging the princess to a duel? Did you think I would let that slide?" he demands.
"Ah! N-no! Not... It's not a duel to the death or anything, just some... friendly competition! I promise!"
Hawke pulls his mount back a bit. "Hmph... You certainly have a funny way of showing your friendship."
"How I choose to show friendship is no concern of yours, you... you... you lizard-loving lunatic! N-n-now call off your monster!" Gale shouts.
Hawke moves back further. "Fine. But I'll be watching this little duel of yours. You better not try anything stupid." With that, he leaps into the air, circling a few times to make a point before disappearing behind some trees.
Gale, asleep against a tree, immediately snaps awake. "Huh? I- AH!" She scampers to hide behind the trunk.
"Don't think you can hide from me," Hawke warns her. "I told you. My job is to protect the princess."
"What!?"
"I warned you I'd feed you to my wyvern if I thought you were a threat." He signals his wyvern and it snaps at her.
Gale pulls further behind the tree with a panicked yell. "What are you talking about!?"
"Challenging the princess to a duel? Did you think I would let that slide?" he demands.
"Ah! N-no! Not... It's not a duel to the death or anything, just some... friendly competition! I promise!"
Hawke pulls his mount back a bit. "Hmph... You certainly have a funny way of showing your friendship."
"How I choose to show friendship is no concern of yours, you... you... you lizard-loving lunatic! N-n-now call off your monster!" Gale shouts.
Hawke moves back further. "Fine. But I'll be watching this little duel of yours. You better not try anything stupid." With that, he leaps into the air, circling a few times to make a point before disappearing behind some trees.
Gale/Zenia C
Gale stares after him long enough to be sure he's gone, then shakes her head. No getting back to sleep after that. She wanders off, soon noticing someone useful in the distance. She takes off, running to Zenia's side. "Hey! Champ!"
Zenia scoffs. "Champ?"
"Yeah, Champ. Listen. You were training Lily in swordsmanship the other day, right?" Gale asks.
"Not really," Zenia says. "Her technique is fine, and out fighting styles are different enough there's little I could teach her. I just wanted to force her to her limits to see how tough she was."
"Oh." Gale looks a bit disappointed. "I was going to ask if you could give me some pointers, but never mind, I guess."
"Why are you wasting time with a sword instead of your raw strength?" Zenia asks.
"To... learn new things? Try new stuff?" Gale suggests. "I need to, y'know, expand my repertoire so I can be more useful."
"Hmph... I assumed you were an air-headed fool more interested in playing around than fighting, completely reliant on her natural talent with no drive for self-improvement," Zenia rattles off. "Perhaps I misjudged you."
Gale stares at her, mouth agape. "Wow. OK. Yes, I would say so. Y'know what? Forget this, I'll practice on my own..."
Zenia scoffs. "Champ?"
"Yeah, Champ. Listen. You were training Lily in swordsmanship the other day, right?" Gale asks.
"Not really," Zenia says. "Her technique is fine, and out fighting styles are different enough there's little I could teach her. I just wanted to force her to her limits to see how tough she was."
"Oh." Gale looks a bit disappointed. "I was going to ask if you could give me some pointers, but never mind, I guess."
"Why are you wasting time with a sword instead of your raw strength?" Zenia asks.
"To... learn new things? Try new stuff?" Gale suggests. "I need to, y'know, expand my repertoire so I can be more useful."
"Hmph... I assumed you were an air-headed fool more interested in playing around than fighting, completely reliant on her natural talent with no drive for self-improvement," Zenia rattles off. "Perhaps I misjudged you."
Gale stares at her, mouth agape. "Wow. OK. Yes, I would say so. Y'know what? Forget this, I'll practice on my own..."
Alice/Rhett B
Alice walks a bit into the woods and lies down in a patch of grass. She doesn't get long to relax before she's interrupted. "Alice?" Rhett asks.
She opens her eyes to find him standing over him. "Yes, Rhett?"
"Are you OK?"
"Well... I'm not injured. But I am very tired. And I'm glad to be home. Thankful everyone's safe. But... something's bothering me. I think I'm worried about that witch from earlier."
"She looked kind of like you."
"Yes, I noticed."
"Except she that weird purple-black color with all the glowing lines. And the glowing hair. And the glowing eyes."
"Yes."
"And she was floating a lot."
"Yes."
"And naked."
"Yes. And there were other differences, but things I can't easily describe to someone who doesn't understand magic."
"OK. Oh, but don't forget she seemed really mean."
"Yes... But, she was crying, too. It seemed like she was in a lot of pain," Alice says sadly. Before Rhett can continue, she clarifies. "And not just because of her injuries. Her... aura was twisted. Even the spirits surrounding her were crying out, even if you couldn't hear them."
"You seem sad, too," Rhett points out. "Huh? Oh. You're crying."
"Hm... Yes, it seems I am..." Alice mutters. "I suppose I just feel sad for her."
"You're really nice."
"Thank you, Rhett. You should go try to get some sleep."
"Alright. Bye, Alice." Rhett turns and leaves her to rest.
She opens her eyes to find him standing over him. "Yes, Rhett?"
"Are you OK?"
"Well... I'm not injured. But I am very tired. And I'm glad to be home. Thankful everyone's safe. But... something's bothering me. I think I'm worried about that witch from earlier."
"She looked kind of like you."
"Yes, I noticed."
"Except she that weird purple-black color with all the glowing lines. And the glowing hair. And the glowing eyes."
"Yes."
"And she was floating a lot."
"Yes."
"And naked."
"Yes. And there were other differences, but things I can't easily describe to someone who doesn't understand magic."
"OK. Oh, but don't forget she seemed really mean."
"Yes... But, she was crying, too. It seemed like she was in a lot of pain," Alice says sadly. Before Rhett can continue, she clarifies. "And not just because of her injuries. Her... aura was twisted. Even the spirits surrounding her were crying out, even if you couldn't hear them."
"You seem sad, too," Rhett points out. "Huh? Oh. You're crying."
"Hm... Yes, it seems I am..." Alice mutters. "I suppose I just feel sad for her."
"You're really nice."
"Thank you, Rhett. You should go try to get some sleep."
"Alright. Bye, Alice." Rhett turns and leaves her to rest.
Rand/Alice B
A few minutes later, she hears someone else walking through the trees to interrupt her rest. Alice sighs.
Rand looks around for a bit before his eyes finally settle on her. "Hey, Alice. There you are."
"You were looking for me, Prince Rand? Is something the matter?" Alice asks.
"That's what I came to ask, actually. Rhett said... Er, he told me you were out here crying?"
Alice rolls over and rises to her knees. She sniffs and wipes her eyes. "I... suppose so."
"What's... What's wrong?"
Alice shakes her head. "I don't... really understand it. Something about that... witch."
Rand hesitates, then takes a seat next to her. "Are you OK?"
Alice gives a single soft laugh at the repeated question. "I'm... I'm not sure. Father tended to my injuries, but..." Alice sighs and rubs her arms uncomfortably.
Rand waits patiently for her to continue, while Alice looks at him expectantly, tears welling up in the corners of her eyes. "Oh... Um..." Rand awkwardly sidles closer and pulls her into a hug. "Is this... better?"
Alice sighs again. "Yes. Thank you, Prince Rand."
"So, do you want to... talk about it?"
Alice nods. "She felt... familiar somehow. And even Rhett mentioned she looked like me..." She snuggles closer into the hug. "And... I couldn't help but think... I could end up like that so easily. Do you understand what a witch is, Rand?"
"Mages who... gave their souls in exchange for power?" Rand says hesitantly.
"Empty husks," Alice adds. "Trapped... Trapped in a prison of their own flesh, without even the release of death to look forward to... I can't... I can't imagine what it would be like, to be unable to... to enjoy pleasures like... like feeling the grass beneath your feet, or watching the sunrise, or... sharing a hug..." She sniffs loudly. "I pity her. I can't... It's so terrifying..."
"Alice..."
The pair sit together as the sun rises, the silence occasionally broken by Alice sniffling softly. "Thank you, Rand..."
Once Alice has calmed down, she asks Rand if he would allow her some time alone. He readily agrees and excuses himself, and she finally thinks she's going to have a chance to rest.
Rand looks around for a bit before his eyes finally settle on her. "Hey, Alice. There you are."
"You were looking for me, Prince Rand? Is something the matter?" Alice asks.
"That's what I came to ask, actually. Rhett said... Er, he told me you were out here crying?"
Alice rolls over and rises to her knees. She sniffs and wipes her eyes. "I... suppose so."
"What's... What's wrong?"
Alice shakes her head. "I don't... really understand it. Something about that... witch."
Rand hesitates, then takes a seat next to her. "Are you OK?"
Alice gives a single soft laugh at the repeated question. "I'm... I'm not sure. Father tended to my injuries, but..." Alice sighs and rubs her arms uncomfortably.
Rand waits patiently for her to continue, while Alice looks at him expectantly, tears welling up in the corners of her eyes. "Oh... Um..." Rand awkwardly sidles closer and pulls her into a hug. "Is this... better?"
Alice sighs again. "Yes. Thank you, Prince Rand."
"So, do you want to... talk about it?"
Alice nods. "She felt... familiar somehow. And even Rhett mentioned she looked like me..." She snuggles closer into the hug. "And... I couldn't help but think... I could end up like that so easily. Do you understand what a witch is, Rand?"
"Mages who... gave their souls in exchange for power?" Rand says hesitantly.
"Empty husks," Alice adds. "Trapped... Trapped in a prison of their own flesh, without even the release of death to look forward to... I can't... I can't imagine what it would be like, to be unable to... to enjoy pleasures like... like feeling the grass beneath your feet, or watching the sunrise, or... sharing a hug..." She sniffs loudly. "I pity her. I can't... It's so terrifying..."
"Alice..."
The pair sit together as the sun rises, the silence occasionally broken by Alice sniffling softly. "Thank you, Rand..."
Once Alice has calmed down, she asks Rand if he would allow her some time alone. He readily agrees and excuses himself, and she finally thinks she's going to have a chance to rest.
Alice/Lily B
Like clockwork, just as she's drifting off to sleep, Lily comes stumbling through the trees with her bedroll, looking for somewhere quiet to escape all the people coming to ask what Gale did to piss her off bad enough to warrant a duel.
"Oh... Alice. I was looking for somewhere I could rest..."
"I'm afraid you've come to the wrong place..." Alice mutters sleepily.
"Sorry..."
Alice shakes her head and sits up. "Don't worry about it, Princess. I was resting, as well. Would you care to join me?"
"Erm... Where's your bedroll?"
Alice smiles at her. "Come, sit with me and you'll understand."
Lily hesitates, then sets her things aside, unlaces her sandals, and sits beside her. She shudders at the feel of the cool, damp ground. "Well, this is... interesting..."
Alice giggles. "I suppose not everyone has my taste in bedding. What brings you all the way out here?"
"Gale."
"I see..." Alice says. She yawns and doesn't ask for more explanation. "She certainly seems to like you."
"She has a funny way of showing it."
"I suppose," Alice admits. She lies back down and stretches out. "But, do you dislike the attention?"
"That's... Well, no. I guess I don't... really dislike it," Lily admits. "But she's just so intense some-"
Alice her foot against Lily's and the princess jumps noticeably. Alice giggles softly. "You're just not used to this sort of thing," she teases. She reaches up and groggily grabs for Lily's shoulder.
"What are you...?" Lily asks. Alice pulls her down into a hug. "Er... Alice? This is a bit... uncomfortable."
"Shhh. Being able to enjoy... a friend's touch... 's one life's... greatest joys... Nothing to... be embarrassed about... Just... start small, Princess..." Alice mutters. "It's not so... bad, right...?"
"I... suppose not," Lily says in a voice that suggests otherwise.
"Good... You just need to... get used to it..." Alice yawns and snuggles against Lily. "Now please... stop talking... so I... can... sleep..."
"Oh... Alice. I was looking for somewhere I could rest..."
"I'm afraid you've come to the wrong place..." Alice mutters sleepily.
"Sorry..."
Alice shakes her head and sits up. "Don't worry about it, Princess. I was resting, as well. Would you care to join me?"
"Erm... Where's your bedroll?"
Alice smiles at her. "Come, sit with me and you'll understand."
Lily hesitates, then sets her things aside, unlaces her sandals, and sits beside her. She shudders at the feel of the cool, damp ground. "Well, this is... interesting..."
Alice giggles. "I suppose not everyone has my taste in bedding. What brings you all the way out here?"
"Gale."
"I see..." Alice says. She yawns and doesn't ask for more explanation. "She certainly seems to like you."
"She has a funny way of showing it."
"I suppose," Alice admits. She lies back down and stretches out. "But, do you dislike the attention?"
"That's... Well, no. I guess I don't... really dislike it," Lily admits. "But she's just so intense some-"
Alice her foot against Lily's and the princess jumps noticeably. Alice giggles softly. "You're just not used to this sort of thing," she teases. She reaches up and groggily grabs for Lily's shoulder.
"What are you...?" Lily asks. Alice pulls her down into a hug. "Er... Alice? This is a bit... uncomfortable."
"Shhh. Being able to enjoy... a friend's touch... 's one life's... greatest joys... Nothing to... be embarrassed about... Just... start small, Princess..." Alice mutters. "It's not so... bad, right...?"
"I... suppose not," Lily says in a voice that suggests otherwise.
"Good... You just need to... get used to it..." Alice yawns and snuggles against Lily. "Now please... stop talking... so I... can... sleep..."
Alice/Zenia C
Alice yawns as she wakes up around noon. She finds herself draped across a sleeping Lily, who - uncomfortable but unwilling to wake the exhausted mage - had eventually succumbed to her own exhaustion. She blinks, confused, as she slowly remembers how they got into this position. That may have been a mistake, but she was tired and not thinking clearly. She disentangles herself, careful not to wake the princess, and rises to her feet. As she debates what to do, she hears a snicker from the trees.
She whirls around to find Zenia leaning against a tree. The discarded food scraps tell Alice the mercenary's been there for some time, eating her lunch. "How scandalous. The princess and the guardian's daughter sneaking off and getting all snuggled up together."
Alice can feel her face turning red. "There's nothing wrong with that," she insists. "Completely innocent."
Zenia smirks. "Heh. It seems the political situation in Carcina's not so stable at the moment. And lordlings love pitching fits over the stupidest things."
"Wh-" Alice is dumbfounded. "What are you saying!?"
Zenia shrugs loudly. "Nothing, really."
"Then what are you doing here?" Alice asks. Her voice packs a cold edge.
"Oh, making sure nothing sneaks up on you while you sleep. Napping off on your own after an assassin came for you? Foolish."
"I would know if something dangerous were around."
"I got this close to you undetected," Zenia points out.
A small smile spreads across Alice's face. "I said something dangerous, not something mouthy."
"Oh? I see the little kitten has claws. How adorable." Zenia cocks her head. "Perhaps I should teach you some respect?"
"You've done enough," Alice says. "Now, if you've nothing more to do than mock us, then run along."
"Well, I didn't come to fight. I actually wanted to tell you I was impressed how you handled that witch. Your footwork's not bad." With that, Zenia shrugs and walks away.
"...Thanks, I guess?" Alice says quietly.
She whirls around to find Zenia leaning against a tree. The discarded food scraps tell Alice the mercenary's been there for some time, eating her lunch. "How scandalous. The princess and the guardian's daughter sneaking off and getting all snuggled up together."
Alice can feel her face turning red. "There's nothing wrong with that," she insists. "Completely innocent."
Zenia smirks. "Heh. It seems the political situation in Carcina's not so stable at the moment. And lordlings love pitching fits over the stupidest things."
"Wh-" Alice is dumbfounded. "What are you saying!?"
Zenia shrugs loudly. "Nothing, really."
"Then what are you doing here?" Alice asks. Her voice packs a cold edge.
"Oh, making sure nothing sneaks up on you while you sleep. Napping off on your own after an assassin came for you? Foolish."
"I would know if something dangerous were around."
"I got this close to you undetected," Zenia points out.
A small smile spreads across Alice's face. "I said something dangerous, not something mouthy."
"Oh? I see the little kitten has claws. How adorable." Zenia cocks her head. "Perhaps I should teach you some respect?"
"You've done enough," Alice says. "Now, if you've nothing more to do than mock us, then run along."
"Well, I didn't come to fight. I actually wanted to tell you I was impressed how you handled that witch. Your footwork's not bad." With that, Zenia shrugs and walks away.
"...Thanks, I guess?" Alice says quietly.
Lily/Gale A
A sizable crowd gathers as Lily and Gale prepare to face off early in the afternoon. The two draw their swords and adopt fighting stances. Gale is the first to move, rushing at Lily with a wild slash. She catches the blow with her rapier, flips it to the side, and has her blade against Gale's throat in an instant. The battle is over in a matter of seconds. The majority of the crowd seems disappointed, but Hawke certainly looks satisfied.
Shortly after, Lily leads an unenthusiastic Gale out to the woods where they can have some privacy. "So, ready for our actual duel?" she asks.
"Huh?" Gale cocks her head to the side.
"Don't tell me you were satisfied with that. I know I'm not. No offense, but you're trash with a sword." Lily tosses down her sword and tome. Her cloak, circlet, and sandals soon join them. "Come on. No swords. No transforming. I didn't want to do this in front of everyone, but here it's just you and me."
Gale's ears shoot up. "Wait, really?"
"Yep. I'm going to stomp you into the dirt and prove myself once and for all."
"Oh, yeah! You're on!" Gale drops to all fours. "You remember our bet, though, right?"
"Hpmh. If you can beat me, you may do as you please. But that isn't going to happen." Lily takes a wide fighting stance. For a moment, Gale can't help but notice how much Lily resembles her father.
Once again, Gale makes the first move, with a diving aimed at Lily's legs. Lily hops over her as she passes, grabbing Gale's own leg in the process. She manages to throw Gale to the ground, only to be kicked off in an instant. The pair trade back and forth, the advantage shifting several times. Lily manages to pin Gale multiple times, only to be thrown off. The pair eventually begin to reach the point of exhaustion, panting heavily. Finally, Gale manages to seize Lily's ankle and wrap her legs around Lily's waist. "Hehehe... Looks like I've won, Lily! And you know what comes next, right? Any last words?"
Lily pants a few more times, holding up her finger to signal she does have something to say. "Haaa... Alright. As promised. But just give me a minute to catch my breath, OK?"
"Wellll, OK. You've been such a good sport about this, I can show you a bit of mercy." Gale grins and loosens up a bit.
"Hey... So... Why we wait. Why are you like this, anyway? Always so... y'know. With me."
"Really? Are you just stalling, or do you actually want to know...?" Gale asks.
Lily nods. "A bit of both."
Gale is silent for a moment. "It feels a bit silly saying it out loud, really..." Lily gives her a curious look and waits for her to continue. "It's just... how do I put it? When we were kids, Rand and I used to play together all the time - we still do - but you... You always locked yourself in the library or in court or something. And even the few times you did join us, you were... distant? I guess I just... feel like you missed out."
"...I see... I mean, I enjoy attending court, and studying and all those things. But preparing to be the next queen is..." Lily smiles at Gale. "You actually seem to realize it's not all sunshine and rainbows. But it's my duty. I can't turn away from it."
"I know. But, still... You may be able to fool the others, but Rand and Mina and I can all see right through that fake smile of yours. I just... I think you need something to really pull you out of yourself from time to time, y'know? C'mon, admit you're enjoying yourself. Am I wrong?"
The pair slip into an awkward silence. Finally, Lily nods. "Fine. Yes. The tickling, the pranks, they can obnoxious sometimes. But... this has been... fun? And good practice. I wouldn't mind doing this sort of thing more often. You're... a strange friend, but I can tell your heart's in the right place. So... I guess I'll just put up with the rest of it."
Gale grins. "As if you have a choice!"
Shortly after, Lily leads an unenthusiastic Gale out to the woods where they can have some privacy. "So, ready for our actual duel?" she asks.
"Huh?" Gale cocks her head to the side.
"Don't tell me you were satisfied with that. I know I'm not. No offense, but you're trash with a sword." Lily tosses down her sword and tome. Her cloak, circlet, and sandals soon join them. "Come on. No swords. No transforming. I didn't want to do this in front of everyone, but here it's just you and me."
Gale's ears shoot up. "Wait, really?"
"Yep. I'm going to stomp you into the dirt and prove myself once and for all."
"Oh, yeah! You're on!" Gale drops to all fours. "You remember our bet, though, right?"
"Hpmh. If you can beat me, you may do as you please. But that isn't going to happen." Lily takes a wide fighting stance. For a moment, Gale can't help but notice how much Lily resembles her father.
Once again, Gale makes the first move, with a diving aimed at Lily's legs. Lily hops over her as she passes, grabbing Gale's own leg in the process. She manages to throw Gale to the ground, only to be kicked off in an instant. The pair trade back and forth, the advantage shifting several times. Lily manages to pin Gale multiple times, only to be thrown off. The pair eventually begin to reach the point of exhaustion, panting heavily. Finally, Gale manages to seize Lily's ankle and wrap her legs around Lily's waist. "Hehehe... Looks like I've won, Lily! And you know what comes next, right? Any last words?"
Lily pants a few more times, holding up her finger to signal she does have something to say. "Haaa... Alright. As promised. But just give me a minute to catch my breath, OK?"
"Wellll, OK. You've been such a good sport about this, I can show you a bit of mercy." Gale grins and loosens up a bit.
"Hey... So... Why we wait. Why are you like this, anyway? Always so... y'know. With me."
"Really? Are you just stalling, or do you actually want to know...?" Gale asks.
Lily nods. "A bit of both."
Gale is silent for a moment. "It feels a bit silly saying it out loud, really..." Lily gives her a curious look and waits for her to continue. "It's just... how do I put it? When we were kids, Rand and I used to play together all the time - we still do - but you... You always locked yourself in the library or in court or something. And even the few times you did join us, you were... distant? I guess I just... feel like you missed out."
"...I see... I mean, I enjoy attending court, and studying and all those things. But preparing to be the next queen is..." Lily smiles at Gale. "You actually seem to realize it's not all sunshine and rainbows. But it's my duty. I can't turn away from it."
"I know. But, still... You may be able to fool the others, but Rand and Mina and I can all see right through that fake smile of yours. I just... I think you need something to really pull you out of yourself from time to time, y'know? C'mon, admit you're enjoying yourself. Am I wrong?"
The pair slip into an awkward silence. Finally, Lily nods. "Fine. Yes. The tickling, the pranks, they can obnoxious sometimes. But... this has been... fun? And good practice. I wouldn't mind doing this sort of thing more often. You're... a strange friend, but I can tell your heart's in the right place. So... I guess I'll just put up with the rest of it."
Gale grins. "As if you have a choice!"
Chapter 6X
Chapter 6
Isana/Hawke C, Isana/Storm C, Storm/Rakim B, Quinn/Rakim
Gale/Kurt C, Gale/Harv C
Sorina/Carin C, Carin/Stella C
Lily/Judoc C
"I can't watch this. Excuse me, Princess..." Isana mutters. She slinks out of the room silently.
Lily stares after her, then sighs. "Hawke. Go make sure she's alright," Lily orders. She looks at the expression on his face. "She's disarmed, injured, and chained up. I'll be fine for a few minutes."
"...As you command, Princess," Hawke says. He marches after her.
He finds her outside in the alley, leaning against the wall and absently tracing a pattern in the sand. "...Hello," she says.
"Hey," Hawke answers.
The two stare at each other for a moment, then Isana goes back to staring at the ground. "Did you need something?"
"The princess was worried about you and wanted me to check on you."
"I thought as much." Isana closes her eyes, then smiles at Hawke. "Tell her I'm fine."
"Will I be lying?" Hawke asks.
"Who can say? Even if it's untrue, though, you wouldn't be lying. I'd be lying through you."
Hawke scowls. "Lying comes as easily to you as breathing, hm?"
"Indeed. Lying's a great way to stay alive if you aren't great at fighting. Even when I fight I rely on feints and fake openings." Isana shrugs. "I'm going to take a walk around the city. That should make me feel better."
"If you aren't back by sundown, I'll come looking for you."
"Oh? Afraid I might turn traitor?"
"I'm afraid you might get lost. Or abducted. We can't be sure what sort of unsavory types may be around."
"Your concern is touching," Isana says. She strolls off.
Hawke returns to report to Lily.
Isana decides to head to the town gate and wander into the desert. She marches out a few hundred feet until she finds a decent spot in the sand, then flops onto her back and closes her eyes. "So warm..."
She's awoken a few minutes later by the flapping of wings kicking up a small gust of sand. She sits up, choking and spitting.
"Sorry!" Storm says. "Are you alright, Isana? I saw you lying here and thought... well, I'm not sure what I thought exactly, but I assumed something had happened."
"No, I was just napping. I'm still tired from all of my injuries, and that fight exhausted me," Isana explains.
"It would be safer to sleep in the inn, wouldn't it?"
"Perhaps. But... I just don't want to be there right now. Besides, all this sand reminds me of my home."
"Home, huh. Y'know, I just realized I don't really know much about you. I just assumed you were born and raised in Regna Ferox."
"Nope!" Isana says.
"So... where are you from, then?" Storm asks.
"That... is a secret," Isana teases.
"Why? I'm curious," Storm asks. "I'd like to know a bit more about you."
"Hmmm..." Isana considers for a moment. "Alright, I'll tell you. If you'll let me ride your pegasus over the town for a bit."
"Deal," Storm says. "Hop on."
He helps Isana climb onto his mount and the pair fly over the city for a few moments. Isana stares down in awe. "It's been a long time since I've gotten to fly, though I'm more used to dragons than pegasi."
"You mean wyverns?" Storm asks. "Wait, are you saying you're from Terranus? That's about the only place a non-soldier could have found them other than Carcina..."
"Actually, I'm from Valeria. Same as you."
"Huh? But... You said that sand reminded you of home?"
"Oh, a sand dune and a snow bank feel pretty similar. Just warm instead of cold!" Isana giggles. "Could you drop me off here? I need to get some supplies in case we head into the desert. You should probably get a robe and headdress yourself."
"Ah... You think so?" Storm asks.
Isana nods. "This store can probably help you." She points over Storm's shoulder. When he turns to look, Isana turns and starts to walk off. She raises her hand and waves. "See you later!"
"Bye..." Storm says. He walks into the store and is surprised to find Rakim in here, trying on a robe himself.
Rakim notices him and nods. "Sir Storm."
"Hello, Rakim. Where's Janice?"
Janice waddles out from a fitting room wearing a white robe, complete with a headdress and sandals. She clutches at the robe and tugs on it awkwardly. Rakim bends down to help her adjust it. "I wanted to make sure she'd be ready in case we had to slip off into the desert."
"Heh. You're starting to really take on the role of a guardian," Storm says.
"...Yes, well. It's the least I can do, considering how much I ruined her life."
Storm's smile fades. "Ah... Right. Sorry."
"There's no need to apologize. You've done nothing wrong," Rakim says.
"You don't..." Storm begins.
Rakim cuts him off. "I merely had the misfortune of choosing the wrong employer and took too long to correct my mistake."
"...That's probably a good way to think about it," Storm says.
"I still owe this little one my protection. At least until I can find a proper home for her."
Storm and Rakim's conversation trails off. Janice looks between the two of them, she seems to sense the tension in the air.
"S-so, could you give me a hand with the robes?" Storm asks awkwardly.
"Sure," Rakim agrees. He helps Storm select an outfit that fits over his armor. Storm pays for it, then heads out.
As Storm walks out, Quinn walks in. He finds Rakim kneeling down and explaining to Janice. "Make sure you wear your hat whenever you're outside, alright?" Rakim says. "Otherwise you'll get a sunburn very easily. It will also keep the sand out of your eyes."
"...Kay..." Janice nods.
"You're taking her with us?" Quinn asks incredulously.
"I can't leave her here," Rakim says.
"But it's dangerous out in the desert," Quinn says.
"It's no less dangerous here, especially once people come looking for that dragon," Rakim counters. "Besides, I have experience traveling in Terranus."
"If you say so... But the desert isn't the only threat. What if we fall under attack again?" Quinn asks.
"I have faith in the princess. We won't fail. Even if something happens to me, I'm sure someone will take my job of watching over Janice. Am I wrong?"
Janice waddles over and grabs Quinn's tail. "Uncle... Quinn."
"...Ugh. Yeah, but it would be easier to just make sure nothing happens to you..."
Lily stares after her, then sighs. "Hawke. Go make sure she's alright," Lily orders. She looks at the expression on his face. "She's disarmed, injured, and chained up. I'll be fine for a few minutes."
"...As you command, Princess," Hawke says. He marches after her.
He finds her outside in the alley, leaning against the wall and absently tracing a pattern in the sand. "...Hello," she says.
"Hey," Hawke answers.
The two stare at each other for a moment, then Isana goes back to staring at the ground. "Did you need something?"
"The princess was worried about you and wanted me to check on you."
"I thought as much." Isana closes her eyes, then smiles at Hawke. "Tell her I'm fine."
"Will I be lying?" Hawke asks.
"Who can say? Even if it's untrue, though, you wouldn't be lying. I'd be lying through you."
Hawke scowls. "Lying comes as easily to you as breathing, hm?"
"Indeed. Lying's a great way to stay alive if you aren't great at fighting. Even when I fight I rely on feints and fake openings." Isana shrugs. "I'm going to take a walk around the city. That should make me feel better."
"If you aren't back by sundown, I'll come looking for you."
"Oh? Afraid I might turn traitor?"
"I'm afraid you might get lost. Or abducted. We can't be sure what sort of unsavory types may be around."
"Your concern is touching," Isana says. She strolls off.
Hawke returns to report to Lily.
Isana decides to head to the town gate and wander into the desert. She marches out a few hundred feet until she finds a decent spot in the sand, then flops onto her back and closes her eyes. "So warm..."
She's awoken a few minutes later by the flapping of wings kicking up a small gust of sand. She sits up, choking and spitting.
"Sorry!" Storm says. "Are you alright, Isana? I saw you lying here and thought... well, I'm not sure what I thought exactly, but I assumed something had happened."
"No, I was just napping. I'm still tired from all of my injuries, and that fight exhausted me," Isana explains.
"It would be safer to sleep in the inn, wouldn't it?"
"Perhaps. But... I just don't want to be there right now. Besides, all this sand reminds me of my home."
"Home, huh. Y'know, I just realized I don't really know much about you. I just assumed you were born and raised in Regna Ferox."
"Nope!" Isana says.
"So... where are you from, then?" Storm asks.
"That... is a secret," Isana teases.
"Why? I'm curious," Storm asks. "I'd like to know a bit more about you."
"Hmmm..." Isana considers for a moment. "Alright, I'll tell you. If you'll let me ride your pegasus over the town for a bit."
"Deal," Storm says. "Hop on."
He helps Isana climb onto his mount and the pair fly over the city for a few moments. Isana stares down in awe. "It's been a long time since I've gotten to fly, though I'm more used to dragons than pegasi."
"You mean wyverns?" Storm asks. "Wait, are you saying you're from Terranus? That's about the only place a non-soldier could have found them other than Carcina..."
"Actually, I'm from Valeria. Same as you."
"Huh? But... You said that sand reminded you of home?"
"Oh, a sand dune and a snow bank feel pretty similar. Just warm instead of cold!" Isana giggles. "Could you drop me off here? I need to get some supplies in case we head into the desert. You should probably get a robe and headdress yourself."
"Ah... You think so?" Storm asks.
Isana nods. "This store can probably help you." She points over Storm's shoulder. When he turns to look, Isana turns and starts to walk off. She raises her hand and waves. "See you later!"
"Bye..." Storm says. He walks into the store and is surprised to find Rakim in here, trying on a robe himself.
Rakim notices him and nods. "Sir Storm."
"Hello, Rakim. Where's Janice?"
Janice waddles out from a fitting room wearing a white robe, complete with a headdress and sandals. She clutches at the robe and tugs on it awkwardly. Rakim bends down to help her adjust it. "I wanted to make sure she'd be ready in case we had to slip off into the desert."
"Heh. You're starting to really take on the role of a guardian," Storm says.
"...Yes, well. It's the least I can do, considering how much I ruined her life."
Storm's smile fades. "Ah... Right. Sorry."
"There's no need to apologize. You've done nothing wrong," Rakim says.
"You don't..." Storm begins.
Rakim cuts him off. "I merely had the misfortune of choosing the wrong employer and took too long to correct my mistake."
"...That's probably a good way to think about it," Storm says.
"I still owe this little one my protection. At least until I can find a proper home for her."
Storm and Rakim's conversation trails off. Janice looks between the two of them, she seems to sense the tension in the air.
"S-so, could you give me a hand with the robes?" Storm asks awkwardly.
"Sure," Rakim agrees. He helps Storm select an outfit that fits over his armor. Storm pays for it, then heads out.
As Storm walks out, Quinn walks in. He finds Rakim kneeling down and explaining to Janice. "Make sure you wear your hat whenever you're outside, alright?" Rakim says. "Otherwise you'll get a sunburn very easily. It will also keep the sand out of your eyes."
"...Kay..." Janice nods.
"You're taking her with us?" Quinn asks incredulously.
"I can't leave her here," Rakim says.
"But it's dangerous out in the desert," Quinn says.
"It's no less dangerous here, especially once people come looking for that dragon," Rakim counters. "Besides, I have experience traveling in Terranus."
"If you say so... But the desert isn't the only threat. What if we fall under attack again?" Quinn asks.
"I have faith in the princess. We won't fail. Even if something happens to me, I'm sure someone will take my job of watching over Janice. Am I wrong?"
Janice waddles over and grabs Quinn's tail. "Uncle... Quinn."
"...Ugh. Yeah, but it would be easier to just make sure nothing happens to you..."
Gale/Kurt C, Gale/Harv C
"Kuuuuurt, I'm bored," Gale complains.
"What, just because Lily's... busy?" Kurt says.
"Maybe... Kind of?" Gale answers.
"So what do you expect me to do about it?" Kurt demands.
"Are you familiar with this town at all?"
"Not really, no."
"Great! Let's go for a walk together," Gale says. "Anywhere."
"You're acting weird, Gale. What's going on?"
Gale's ears twitch and she winces. "Let's go. Quickly."
"...Oh. Right. Yeah, let's go. Lily will send for us if she needs us."
The two of them wander through town, eventually ending up near the docks. They find Harv wandering around, talking to various merchants.
"Excuse me for a moment," Kurt says. "I need to see a man about a horse, as they say. You want to go check on Harv?"
Gale nods and jogs over. "Hey, Harv. What're you up to?"
"Ah, greetin's, me lagomorphic mate," Harv says.
"Er?" Gale mutters.
"Yer, uh, ears. And tail? And fur? Like a rabbit."
"Yes? I'm a taguel. We're like rabbits. It's not a secret. But what's 'lagomorphic' mean?"
"It means like a rabbit." Harv explains.
"Why didn't you just say it like that?"
"Force o' habit. Wanna help me shop for a bit? Gotta find new stock t' buy 'n' ship 'n' sell. I can usually get better prices when I've got a cute girl wit' me."
"You want to use me?" Gale asks. She pouts.
"Jeez... When ya put it that way, I sound kinda awful, huh...?" Harv says.
"I'm just teasing you. Of course I'll help!" Gale says. "I help Dad with shopping sometimes, but I've never shopped in Terranus. This is going to be interesting."
"What, just because Lily's... busy?" Kurt says.
"Maybe... Kind of?" Gale answers.
"So what do you expect me to do about it?" Kurt demands.
"Are you familiar with this town at all?"
"Not really, no."
"Great! Let's go for a walk together," Gale says. "Anywhere."
"You're acting weird, Gale. What's going on?"
Gale's ears twitch and she winces. "Let's go. Quickly."
"...Oh. Right. Yeah, let's go. Lily will send for us if she needs us."
The two of them wander through town, eventually ending up near the docks. They find Harv wandering around, talking to various merchants.
"Excuse me for a moment," Kurt says. "I need to see a man about a horse, as they say. You want to go check on Harv?"
Gale nods and jogs over. "Hey, Harv. What're you up to?"
"Ah, greetin's, me lagomorphic mate," Harv says.
"Er?" Gale mutters.
"Yer, uh, ears. And tail? And fur? Like a rabbit."
"Yes? I'm a taguel. We're like rabbits. It's not a secret. But what's 'lagomorphic' mean?"
"It means like a rabbit." Harv explains.
"Why didn't you just say it like that?"
"Force o' habit. Wanna help me shop for a bit? Gotta find new stock t' buy 'n' ship 'n' sell. I can usually get better prices when I've got a cute girl wit' me."
"You want to use me?" Gale asks. She pouts.
"Jeez... When ya put it that way, I sound kinda awful, huh...?" Harv says.
"I'm just teasing you. Of course I'll help!" Gale says. "I help Dad with shopping sometimes, but I've never shopped in Terranus. This is going to be interesting."
Sorina/Carin C, Carin/Stella C
"Are you well, Carin?" Sorina asks.
"Ah! Y-yes, of course," Carin squeaks. "I took a few scrapes in that battle, but nothing serious. How did things go on your end?"
"There wasn't any trouble. The enemy was completely distracted with you."
"Oh... That's... great! Great, really. I'm glad," Carin stutters.
"I'm sorry," Sorina says. "I should've been there to protect you."
Carin shakes her head violently. "No, no. We all have our parts to play. I can't ask you to always be at my side. Even if you do make me feel safe..."
"I'm glad to hear that, but I still worry about you. I know you don't like fighting, but I'd feel safer if you learned enough to defend yourself."
"I started using offensive magic..." Carin reminds her.
"Good! And we're going to keep practicing until you stop worrying me."
"Fair enough. But... first, I need to go check on Stella, OK?"
"Huh? Ah, sure. I think I saw her upstairs."
"Thanks. I'll be back in a bit." Carin walks up the stairs and shortly finds the blue-furred cat laguz dozing in a seat illuminated by beam of light streaming through a window. "Stella?"
"Rrk! Mmph. Nrrrrgh..." Stella mumbles as she starts stretching.
"Are you OK? You got hurt pretty bad," Carin calls out.
"I'm fine," Stella promises. "Just a scratch, really."
"You almost died!" Carin protests.
"Mrrrrrow. I said I was fine," Stella grumbles. "I've had worse."
"No you haven't," Carin says "Liar."
"Hmph. You're perceptive, for a beorc," Stella admits. "But I'm not stupid. Tell me what's really bothering you.
"...I dunno. I don't like fighting, I guess. That's why I became a healer. But... But those enemies were everywhere! We couldn't get away from them. They were targeting us specifically!"
"Yeah? And?" Stella demands.
"...And... it was scary?" Carin mutters meekly.
"Ha! I laugh in the face of danger!" Stella places her hands on her hips. "We healers need to be prepared! We're high-priority targets! Don't worry, Carin! I'll teach you how to fight. In the meantime, stick close and I'll keep them safe!"
"...OK."
"Ah! Y-yes, of course," Carin squeaks. "I took a few scrapes in that battle, but nothing serious. How did things go on your end?"
"There wasn't any trouble. The enemy was completely distracted with you."
"Oh... That's... great! Great, really. I'm glad," Carin stutters.
"I'm sorry," Sorina says. "I should've been there to protect you."
Carin shakes her head violently. "No, no. We all have our parts to play. I can't ask you to always be at my side. Even if you do make me feel safe..."
"I'm glad to hear that, but I still worry about you. I know you don't like fighting, but I'd feel safer if you learned enough to defend yourself."
"I started using offensive magic..." Carin reminds her.
"Good! And we're going to keep practicing until you stop worrying me."
"Fair enough. But... first, I need to go check on Stella, OK?"
"Huh? Ah, sure. I think I saw her upstairs."
"Thanks. I'll be back in a bit." Carin walks up the stairs and shortly finds the blue-furred cat laguz dozing in a seat illuminated by beam of light streaming through a window. "Stella?"
"Rrk! Mmph. Nrrrrgh..." Stella mumbles as she starts stretching.
"Are you OK? You got hurt pretty bad," Carin calls out.
"I'm fine," Stella promises. "Just a scratch, really."
"You almost died!" Carin protests.
"Mrrrrrow. I said I was fine," Stella grumbles. "I've had worse."
"No you haven't," Carin says "Liar."
"Hmph. You're perceptive, for a beorc," Stella admits. "But I'm not stupid. Tell me what's really bothering you.
"...I dunno. I don't like fighting, I guess. That's why I became a healer. But... But those enemies were everywhere! We couldn't get away from them. They were targeting us specifically!"
"Yeah? And?" Stella demands.
"...And... it was scary?" Carin mutters meekly.
"Ha! I laugh in the face of danger!" Stella places her hands on her hips. "We healers need to be prepared! We're high-priority targets! Don't worry, Carin! I'll teach you how to fight. In the meantime, stick close and I'll keep them safe!"
"...OK."
Lily/Judoc C
Lily slumps over her dinner, eating slowly. Almost everyone else has already gone to bed, other than a few left to take shifts guarding the prisoner. Judoc pokes his head in and notices her moping.
"What's wrong, Princess Lily?" Judoc asks.
"Ah? Ah..." Lily adjusts her posture and sits up. "I'm fine, Judoc."
"It's a bit too late to hide it from me now, Princess." Judoc walks in and takes a seat. "So, what's wrong?"
Lily stares down at her plate and doesn't answer.
"You, uh... don't have as much of a stomach for the whole torture thing as you thought, do you?"
"...Sometimes we have to dole out harsh punishments," Lily says.
"I see... But it's not always easy, huh. Gotta be honest, I'm glad I'm not in your shoes," Judoc admits.
Lily snorts. "I've heard that once or twice before. But more often the opposite."
Judoc starts to respond, then pauses. "...Sorry?"
"It's not your fault." Lily sighs and puts her spoon down. "It'd probably be easier if she didn't look so much like me."
"Do you... want someone else to do it?" Judoc asks.
"Are you offering?"
"...No."
Lily closes her eyes. "I want to finish my dinner alone, please. Could you do me a favor and keep anyone else out until I'm finished?"
"Yeah, I can do that much..."
"What's wrong, Princess Lily?" Judoc asks.
"Ah? Ah..." Lily adjusts her posture and sits up. "I'm fine, Judoc."
"It's a bit too late to hide it from me now, Princess." Judoc walks in and takes a seat. "So, what's wrong?"
Lily stares down at her plate and doesn't answer.
"You, uh... don't have as much of a stomach for the whole torture thing as you thought, do you?"
"...Sometimes we have to dole out harsh punishments," Lily says.
"I see... But it's not always easy, huh. Gotta be honest, I'm glad I'm not in your shoes," Judoc admits.
Lily snorts. "I've heard that once or twice before. But more often the opposite."
Judoc starts to respond, then pauses. "...Sorry?"
"It's not your fault." Lily sighs and puts her spoon down. "It'd probably be easier if she didn't look so much like me."
"Do you... want someone else to do it?" Judoc asks.
"Are you offering?"
"...No."
Lily closes her eyes. "I want to finish my dinner alone, please. Could you do me a favor and keep anyone else out until I'm finished?"
"Yeah, I can do that much..."
